Last week Bon Jovi and Saturn, in partnership with AEG Live & Monarch Entertainment Group, announced Saturn's 'Have a Nice Gig' contest. The contest gives local unsigned bands the opportunity to play for the chance to open for Bon Jovi at the close of the "Have a Nice Day" Stadium Tour this summer. The events are scheduled in nine various markets across the country including: Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia and the kick off in Dallas. Additional markets include the Boston area, New Jersey area, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, and Ft. Lauderdale.

"Every kid who ever picked up a guitar dreams of playing on the big stage in front of a huge crowd," says Jon Bon Jovi. "I was that kid. 22 years ago, I went to a radio station with a demo tape and got a D.J. to play my song." Jon adds, "Bon Jovi have been paying it forward by giving local up and coming bands the chance to open for us throughout our tour. We're proud to team up with Saturn and continue the process making more dreams come true for bands our summer stadium leg."

The program encourages emerging artists from the nine markets to compete for rock 'n' roll success in the same manner Jon Bon Jovi found success more than 20 years ago. As an unsigned struggling artist, Bon Jovi was asked to submit his single titled "Runaway" for a local radio station's "homegrown" compilation album in New York. Soon the single was played in heavy rotation across the country and the rest according to Bon Jovi, was history. The experience inspired Bon Jovi to challenge unsigned artists nationwide to create their own success by teaming up with partners such as local radio stations and Saturn to implement the third phase of this competition in conjunction with the "Have A Nice Day" Tour.

Beginning in Dallas and continuing in each city, bands are encouraged to submit audition tapes to the local radio partners. Five bands will be selected to play in a one-night concert/competition in front of a live audience all competing for the chance to open for Bon Jovi at a local stadium tour date. At the conclusion of the nine regional events, Bon Jovi will select one winning band to open the tour finale at Giants Stadium, July 29. In addition, the group will receive a demo recording deal, working with Grammy winner producer and writer – John Shanks — an offer that's valued at approximately $100,000.

"Saturn already has a strong relationship with Bon Jovi," said Dave Smidebush, Saturn's Director of Marketing. "This is an opportunity for us to build on what Saturn and Bon Jovi are doing from a relationship standpoint." Earlier in 2006, Saturn was named as the official vehicle of the Philadelphia Soul, the Arena Football League team co-owned by Jon Bon Jovi. The partnership has given the two organizations the ability to gain exposure within each other's markets. The Soul and Saturn have partnered in promotions both on and off the playing field.

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Source: Saturn