Road to Nightfall kicks off Feb. 21 at Granfalloon

The schedules have been set for this year's Road to Nightfall, which for the last nine years has been staged to both showcase local talent and to give one act the opportunity to headline one night of the annual summer concert series.

As many as seven bands or individual artists will compete each of five nights beginning Feb. 21 and concluding Feb. 29. The competition will again take place at The Granfalloon, 400 E. Main St., with the finals taking place March 7 at Songbirds South.

More than 150 musicians will compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, including recording studio time, music videos and custom instruments, in addition to the opportunity to headline Nightfall.

Local hip-hop artist C-Grimey will perform Feb. 22 as part of the Road to Nightfall contest. / Contributed Photo by Emerald Dove Lane

For fans, it is an opportunity to see some of the city's best acts all in one location. It's also a chance to see and hear the diversity of the acts with everything from hip-hop to jazz to rock to bluegrass on display.

The event has become a way for people to see lots of different bands and hear lots of different types of music while showcasing local talent, said Barrett Taylor of Gig City Productions, which produces the event.

Past winners include The Fridge, Hive Theory, Ryan Oyer Band, Function, Amber Fults and the Ambivalent Lovers, Strung Like A Horse, Nick Lutsko, Monday Night Social and the WTM Blues Band.

The Nightfall series is a free event that takes place each Friday night in Miller Plaza from early May to late August. It features a local opening act and a touring regional, national or international headliner.