It’s hard to believe, but we’re halfway to Wakarusa season already. Come Jun. 3, 2010, the camping and music will begin again and just like last year, a few local bands will get a chance to compete to play on a giant stage.

Besides just bringing in the big names in music, Wakarusa gives smaller bands a chance to be heard by hosting the annual Waka Winter Classic. In 20 cities across the country, 4-5 bands will be chosen to compete in a regional talent showcase. The winner of each talent showcase as decided by the fans in attendance will receive an invitation to play at Wakarusa 2010.

But that’s not all. The winners in each city will also have their music featured on Wakarusa.com and will compete in an online talent showcase. The three bands that receive the most votes in the online competition will get to play the Revival Stage at the festival along with a host of other yet-to-be-named surprises.

The tour is coming to George’s Majestic Lounge here in Fayetteville on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Check it out, though: Bands must submit entries to the Waka Winter Classic Sonicbids website by Jan. 14 in order to be considered.

Last year, Copesetic brought the most fans and beat out The Staggering Odds, Cletus Got Shot, Indiana & The Byrds and Hardaway & The Commoners.

Who’s winning this year?

Waka Winter Classic 2010 tour schedule

Jan. 18 St. Louis, MO – Cicero’s
Jan. 20 Des Moines, IA – Vaudeville Mews
Jan. 21 Chicago, IL – Kinetic Playground
Jan. 22 Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
Jan. 26 Kansas City, MO – Crosstown Station
Jan. 26 Little Rock, AR – Sticky Fingerz
Jan. 27 Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic
Feb. 1 Athens, GA – New Earth Music Hall
Feb. 2 Tuscaloosa, AL – Jupiter Bar & Grill
Feb. 3 Baton Rouge, LA – Bogie’s
Feb. 4 Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
Feb. 6 Dallas, TX – Poor David’s Pub
Feb. 7 Austin, TX – Ace’s Lounge
Feb. 8 Stillwater, OK – Eskimo Joe’s
Feb. 9 Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
Feb. 11 Ft. Collins, CO – Hodie’s Half Note
Feb. 12 Denver, CO – Quixote’s
Feb. 12 Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck
Feb. 13 Springfield, MO – Outland Ballroom
Feb. 14 Memphis, TN – Hi-Tone Cafe