Instructions:
After reviewing our Eligibility Requirements, the Submission Form found below should filled out by a member of your band who is willing and able to act as the band's contact person. The contact person will be responsible for communicating with the Vern's Stage Committee and should be adept at dealing with email on a regular basis.
NOTE: You should be prepared to finish this form in a single session once you start it. If you quit in the middle without saving your session to your Google account, your data will be lost. So, be sure to have all the media items (e.g., video link, properly formatted band photo and bio) and all the other required information that you need before starting the process. To help with this, please download our Submission Checklist and use that to organize all your answers in advance of filling out the form for your band.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
1. What is the compensation for bands performing on Vern's Stage?
Bands receive a total stipend of $600 along with full four-day festival tickets for each band member. Plus, band members may choose either one complimentary single-day guest ticket for the day of their performance or a discounted full-festival ticket for their guest.
2. What are the requirements for the band video submissions?
The instructions specify:
"...a newly recorded self-made video demo submission with 3 songs/tunes representative of the music your band would play on Vern’s Stage. At the start of this video, we ask that you introduce the band, clearly state the date and your location, and then perform 3 pieces in a row without any cuts or edits. You will need to submit your recording as a YouTube or Dropbox (or similar) link. We expect cellphone or tablet quality and not professionally shot videos. Furthermore, we recommend recording your video demo in a quiet location (e.g., living room, backyard, etc.)."
3. Why do you require newly-recorded and slightly scripted video submissions?
The judges want to see and hear your band performing in a live and unedited situation with the current members. Furthermore, barring unforeseen circumstances, it is expected that the members in your band video be the same on the day of performance if your band is selected.
Here's a sample video submission that exemplifies what we're looking for:
4. Can I bring my own microphone / can I use a pickup on my guitar or banjo?
No / nope. Vern’s Stage is a showcase for acoustic music played acoustically. All instruments will be mic’ed by a professional team of sound engineers. Pickups on instruments are not allowed. Instead, you’ll have an instrument microphone supplied by our engineers. Similarly, no additional electronic devices can be used—stomp boxes, vocoders, volume pedals, etc. One exception: upright basses with pickups can plug in—we’ll have an amp onstage with a cable for your bass or use our microphone that we’ll help position in your tailpiece.
5. What is the jury looking for when evaluating video submissions?
These are the features that we especially look for in a submission:
- High quality picking (both for backup and lead instrumentals)
- High quality singing (both lead and harmony)
- Good stage presence
- Good band dynamics (i.e., appropriate volume changes)
- Interesting song choices that are the correct genre and feature the band in their best light
- Bands that have a history of gigging together
6. If our band is not available for one of the days of the festival, will we still be considered for the other days?
Yes, but the complexities of scheduling might decrease your chances for selection.
7. What if I have questions that aren't answered here?
Send an email with your questions to:
SUBMIT YOUR BAND!
Submissions will be accepted until midnight, November 1, 2026.
First, be sure to verify that you meet the our Eligibility Requirements and that you've collected all the information that's listed in the Submission Checklist. Then, click the link below to securely enter your band in the selection process.
NOTE: If you're unable to finish the submission form in one session, your data may be lost and you'll have to start again.