Sturgis Concerts Rocks Rally

Sturgis isn't just the biggest bike rally, it's one of the biggest parties out there. Bikes, camping, food, bars, bike shows, dancing girls, zip line, racing, hill climbs, art, exhibits and plenty of music all add up to make it one seriously rockin' time. This year, from August 1st to August 10th, some of the hottest names in music will hit the stage at the annual Sturgis Rally, helping make the 2014 rally one of the best yet.

Over the years, Sturgis Buffalo Chip's large natural amphitheater legendary centerpiece, the Wolfman Jack stage, has seen superstars like Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, Kid Rock, Ozzy Osbourne, Stevie Nicks, The Allman Brothers, Toby Keith and ZZ Top come and go. The 2014 line-up will offer fans country, blues, and rock for their listening pleasure. Rock (of the hard, classic and southern variety) will come from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Pop Evil, Train and The Pretty Reckless. Blues will be courtesy of John Mayall and country fans will rock out to the sounds of Zac Brown Band and Florida Georgia Line.

Indie bands that think they have what it takes to entertain thousands and hang with the big dogs of music now have a shot at a chance of a lifetime. 2014 will be the first year that Sturgis Buffalo Chip will hold an online band submission platform. The platform offers $10,000 in prize money and a grand prize performance slot on the Wolfman Jack stage. The new interactive platform, located at www.BigSturgisGig.com, allows fans to explore top up-and-coming bands and vote for and share their favorites. Fans, along with a panel of celebrity musicians and music executives, will help choose one band to receive the prize money and the main stage set at the annual Motorcycle and Music Festival.

In a press release, Sturgis Buffalo Chip President, Rod Woodruf talked about the opportunity, saying, "Hundreds of talented bands contact the Buffalo Chip each year hoping to land a spot on one of the Chip's stages. The Big Sturgis Gig allows these artists to showcase themselves to the world, gain exposure and broaden their fan base. We're thrilled to foster this community of emerging artists and give one of them the opportunity to perform in front of one of the most unique crowds of their career."

The Big Sturgis Gig winner joins a lineup of more than 25 national touring acts that will fill out the Chip's nine-day concert lineup during the 2014 festival. The venue often allows guests to come into its natural outdoor amphitheater on their motorcycles where revving motorcycle engines often replaces applause.

Band submission and voting for the Big Sturgis Gig ends June 30, 2014 at 12 a.m MST. A celebrity judging panel will review the 10 top-scoring band submissions after all points are tallied. Judges for the contest include Doobie Brothers guitarist and vocalist, Pat Simmons; Twisted Sister frontman, Dee Snider; Swing House Studios President, Phil Jaurigui and veteran booking agents from some of the nation's most renowned agencies.