Chicago and New York City are among the essential stops for any musical act on tour – here’s a look at two of the feature venues in these premier cities.

HOB Chicago
House of Blues is famous for its many concert venues all over the globe, but the finest of which may be found in the Windy City. There are concert venues, and then there are all-purpose entertainment facilities. This venue, located in the heart of Chicago on Dearborn Street, is much more than just a music hall.
 
Capable of hosting parties, meetings and private dinners – the Restaurant and Foundation Room are ideal for such events – this venue’s ability to entertain goes way beyond just rock ’n roll. Yet the beautiful four-story hall, complete with 14 private boxes and seating for up to 1,300 people, is by far the venue’s headlining feature.

With this summer’s schedule including headliners such as B.B. King, Peter Frampton and RZA from Bodog Music’s own Wu-Tang Clan, the HOB Chicago is undoubtedly one of the city’s premier concert venues. Bodog had the pleasure of hosting Battle at this top notch venue, giving the competing artists a chance to hit the professional stage as they played before yet another packed house.

NYC Fillmore
It may not be CBGB, but The Fillmore at Irving Plaza is one of many famous concert venues in New York City. An experience at The Fillmore is like a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden: Once you step through the doors, you can almost breathe in the history.

Originally built as a quaint performing arts space at the corner of 15th and Irving Place in 1911, several renovations have transformed this venue into a three-story music hall capable of seating up to 1,800 people. Hosting events ranging from boxing matches to concerts, strip shows to swing nights, the venue was initially known as Irving Plaza and, to many, it still is. Change in ownership eventually birthed a change in title, yet the integrity of the venue that staged Woody Guthrie and Muddy Waters on the same bill in 1947 is all the same. 

Bodog was thrilled to have Battle be a part of this rich history. The competing musicians had the privilege of hitting the same stage once graced by artists such as Blind Melon, Green Day, Sheryl Crow, Talking Heads and The Offspring. The result was yet another sequence of historic performances.  

Metalworks and Mesa Boogie are giving away professional gear and tools to the Bodog Battle Fan’s Choice runners-up. Find out which bands won enough votes to go home with brand new gear!

We all know that up-and-coming bands aren’t made of money, and playing with hurting gear can only get you so far. So how sweet would it be to replace your band’s second-hand gear with brand new guitar amps, bass cabinets, drum kits, cymbals and professional Pro Tools from some of the world’s biggest names in music?

Well, the voting is complete, and the Fan’s Choice Metalworks and Mesa Boogie prize giveaways go to Tarrintino and Whitfield.

Ireland’s Tarrintino will now be able to mix their music with a comprehensive Pro Tools training package courtesy of Metalworks. Vancouver’s Whitfield are the proud owners of brand new gear from Mesa Boogie, including amps and cabinets for both guitar and bass, a five-piece Tama drum kit and three Paiste cymbals.

These lucky winners will now be able to rock out like never before. Congratulations to both Tarrintino and Whitfield.

Thanks to some serious fan voting, we’ve rounded out our top finalists for the Bodog Battle World Grand Finale with the two Fan’s Choice winners. Find out who will be at the huge final Battle show to throw down for that cool $1 million prize. more

Eight kick-ass bands and three lucky Fan’s Choice Wildcard winners are ready to make music history in the Bodog Battle World Grand Finale.

We’re working hard to make sure this larger-than-life contest gets a finale worthy of the world stage. Our plans are top secret for the moment, but when we’re ready to announce the details, we’re gonna rock your world. You’ll see an update in our mid-May Bodog Battle newsletter, so stay tuned! Till then, rock on!

Congratulations to the World Grand Finale bands:

EU
Splinter X | Berlin, Germany
The Raw | Manchester, UK
Tim Schou | Copenhagen, Denmark
Nash, Fan’s Choice Winner | Berlin, Germany

US
All Grown Up | New York, NY
Copperview, Chicago, IL
After the Accident | Atlanta, GA
Bekker |Los Angeles, CA
Paper Thin Walls, Fan’s Choice Winner | Orange County, CA

Canada
40 Sons And Daughters | Hamilton, ON
Whitfield, Fan’s Choice Winner | Vancouver, BC

The votes are in, and after weeks of tantalizing performances, Paper Thin Walls, Whitfield, and Nash were chosen as the Bodog Battle Fan’s Choice Winners.

Voted in from the U.S. is the indie pop-rock act Paper Thin Walls from Orange County, Calif. They made headlines in December 2007 when they hit the U.K. to play the VIP party of the historic Led Zeppelin reunion concert and have been riding that momentum throughout the Battle.

Representing the preferred of the Canadian acts is Whitfield, a quartet out of Vancouver that has been steadily climbing the ladder towards stardom. Their recent accomplishments include the People’s Choice award at Toronto Indie Week, Best Pop/Rock Song at the 2006 Independent Music Awards (International) and Best of The Fest award at New Music West 2006.

Hailing from Berlin, Germany and representing the chosen from Europe is Nash. Blending the sounds of hard rock with elements of pop, this quintet has developed a sound worthy of opening shows for the likes of Bob Geldof and The Scorpions. Together, these winners have finalized the bill for the World Grand Finale to be held in the summer of 2008.

Joining the fan favorites in the pursuit of Bodog Battle global supremacy will be 40 Sons And Daughters from Canada; The Raw, Splinter X and Tim Schou from Europe; and Copperview, After the Accident, All Grown Up and Bekker from the U.S.

Metalworks will award a Pro Tools training package to the third place Bodog Battle Fan’s Choice band!

A cornerstone of the recording industry and a leader in recording studio business, Metalworks has hosted artists from Prince and Tina Turner to David Bowie, Guns N’ Roses, and Bruce Springsteen at its studios.

Put simply, the Metalworks name is synonymous with recording arts excellence. And as a testament to their dedication to providing world-class facilities and services to artists everywhere, Metalworks has teamed up with Bodog Battle to give away a comprehensive Pro Tools training course to the third place Fan’s Choice band.

Pro Tools is the industry standard in digital recording – and it’s in every professional studio in the world. In fact, 90 percent of the music we hear today is recorded, edited, or produced using Pro Tools. The Metalworks prize will include two comprehensive courses: Pro Tools 101 – an intro to Pro Tools, and Pro Tools 110 – the Essentials of Pro Tools.

Metalworks and Pro Tools training  provide the kind of experience that’s invaluable, and to a band starting out, it can raise the bar to a whole new level.

Now get out there and help your favorite band win votes! 

Wondering who’s in the lead for the Fan’s Choice Voting?

Here are your vote leaders from around the world. If you haven’t cast your vote yet, you can vote once per day until April 30 to help two lucky bands win Wildcard spots at the World Grand Finale to compete against the top eight finalists! Vote now!

Your US Leaders

Brian Stace
From storm drain cleaning to modeling, Brian Stace has done it all. With opening act credits from country stars like Darryl Worley, Terry Clarke, and Shooter Jennings, as well as live performances in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan under his belt, this hard-working urban cowboy from Wisconsin is a veritable country music hot shot. He even has his own record label – Little Round Records – and a tour bus with a rooftop stage.

Will Brian Stace be one of the top two spots for the shot at the $1 million prize? You can make it happen! Vote for Brian now!

Pretty in Stereo
All-female quartet Pretty In Stereo answer the question "Can girls rock?" with a resounding “Hell yeah!” This O.C. group delivers hooky, emotionally driven tunes, which have been featured in several TV series and have earned the band a devoted following. 

Their track "Forever in a Day" was featured in TV Guide Channel's documentary about American Idol finalist Kimberly Caldwell, and they’ve had several songs on the hit A&E reality show Rollergirls. MTV’s own Laguna Beach picked up on the hype and featured “Okay” in one of their episodes.

This band brought home the 2006 Southern California Music Award for Best Pop Rock Band – but can they bring home the $1 million Bodog Music recording contract? Vote for Pretty In Stereo now! 

Sunshine Behavior
Out of Minnesota, Sunshine Behavior are a four-piece rock band that deliver their tunes with soul and spirit. Bass player Jimmy, lead guitar Justin, drummer Jeremy, and singer Harley combine to produce a sound that is equal parts Blind Melon, Black Crowes and all-original rock chops.

Above all, this band of musical brothers is passionate about their craft and put on a tight show all around. No wonder they’re in the running for the two remaining spots at the World Grand Finale! Vote for Sunshine Behavior now!

Breaking Down 
Las Vegas five-piece Breaking Down are a breath of fresh air in today’s stagnating alt-rock scene. With female lead vocals from one of today’s most honest voices, this is a band with a mission to help music fans reach emotional catharsis.

Formed in 2002, Breaking Down are a relatively young band with a bright future ahead. But are they bright enough to win one of the two Fan’s Choice Wildcard spots? You decide! Vote for Breaking Down now!

Your EU Leaders

IE
Yorkshire lads IE draw their inspiration from Brit pop royalty like Lennon, Gallagher, and Albarn – with a little Zep and Pear Jam tossed in for good measure. Credited with penning poppy, timeless tunes, the fantastic foursome have been making music together for over 10 years.

Singer Darran Jackson notes, “IE has four members with a lot of hunger and potential, as what we have achieved so far is just the beginning. I used to consider songwriting and a career in the music industry as a dream... I now believe it to be my right... just listen to our music!” Vote for IE now! 

I-Koma
Self-proclaimed “Kings of Dirty Sleaze Rock” I-Koma are four Brighton boys with an ’80s glam punk edge. Combine Rolling Stones swagger with Guns N’ Roses glitz, and you’ve got a stage presence that just won’t quit.

To date I-Koma have played numerous U.K. festivals and a number of shows with Feeder, The Zutons, The Automatic and The Kooks, and now they’ve been slated as a band to watch in 2008. Can I-Koma outshine the rest to win one of the Fan’s Choice Wildcard spots? Vote for I-Koma now! 

Nash
Germany’s best rock export might just be Nash. Created in 2003, Billy, Max, Volker and Micha set out with a firm goal to write their own songs and play tons of action-packed shows. So far so good for this rock four-piece – their passion and energy shine through in every performance – which is why they’ve opened up for Bob Geldof, and the Scorpions, to name a few.

This four-piece aren’t fooling around – they’re looking for the limelight. Will they push other bands out to win one of the two remaining spots? Vote for Nash now! 

Kate
Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, Kate take their name from lead vocalist Kate Kragh. This four-piece outfit come together to make sweet, sweet indie rock goodness, no matter what their name. Kate herself started making music at the age of 11 – and it’s been all about making more since then.

Kate have played for Denmark’s Princess Mary, recorded a CD titled Tell it to the People (which was played on BBC Radio on New Year’s Eve), and most recently, wowed the Bodog Battle judges in this year’s European competition. Can Kate keep it up and earn the votes to give them a second shot? Vote for Kate now!

Your Canadian Leaders

Whitfield
Vancouver’s alternative darlings Whitfield have been picking up accolades everywhere, which makes them a fierce competitor for those last two Fan’s Choice spots. Over the years the West Coast four-piece have won Best Pop/Rock Song at the 2006 Independent Music Awards (International), Best of The Fest award at New Music West 2006, the People’s Choice award at Toronto Indie Week, and the Best Alternative Group award at the Toronto Independent Music Awards.

Is the Whitfield movement strong enough to guarantee them a berth at the World Grand Finale? Vote for Whitfield now!

SweetFire
Hailing from Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario, SweetFire are a four-piece of independent musicians who love to make music. Songwriters Ryan Brohman and Jesse Webber joined forces with former Jen Militia drummer Christian Reichard, and Droops bassist Danny Alac to form this classic rock crossover.

 To sum up the SweetFire style, the band describes their own sound as "the Knack and the Bay City Rollers being molested by Black Flag and Black Sabbath." Can this band keep the fire alive and burning long enough to get them to the World Grand Finale? Vote for SweetFire now! 

Counterclock
Bored with conventional rock? Montreal’s Counterclock set out to redefine a genre with their own criteria in mind. This is a band that pushes limits, explores all musical elements, and exploits the nest of rock ’n roll.

Today, with lead songstress Melissa’s rock voice, Alex’s creativity, Gary's rhythm, Simon’s powerful riffs, and Julien’s various influences, Counterclock are counting the minutes to their first giant break. Will it be with Bodog Battle? Vote for Counterclock now!

Beyond Ash
Proud to call East Coast Canada home, the four Beyond Ash members, Ashley George (vocals/writing/guitar), Jody Turner (guitar), Joel Boyce (bass), and Steve Keough (drums) have enough heart and drive to reach across Canada.

Releasing their debut CD in 2003 and a second CD in 2004, the band has shared the stage with legends like Trooper, Nazareth and fellow East Coasters the Trews. Does this band of rock music brothers have what it takes to get the most Fan’s Choice votes? You decide! Vote for Beyond Ash now!

Atlanta and L.A. were two of our most exciting shows in the U.S. Finals – here’s a rundown of two of the greatest live music venues on planet rock today. 

Center Stage – Atlanta
At Center Stage in Atlanta they say every seat is the best seat in the house. Located in midtown Atlanta with a capacity of 1,300 you can bet Center Stage is one of the South’s premier venues. Having acts like Santana, B.B. King, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Duran Duran, and Bodog Music’s own Wu-Tang Clan on the marquee doesn’t hurt either.

There are a couple of bars throughout the venue and an open dance floor area in front of the stage that’s perfect for rocking out to the live shows on stage. The larger Center Stage entertainment complex incorporates smaller venues The Loft and Vinyl – and Bodog Battle has had the opportunity to play in all three. No doubt Battle has had some good times at Center Stage!

A huge thanks to the lovely folks at Center Stage for making Atlanta one of our favorite tour stops!

Avalon Ballroom – LA
A genuine live music and performance venue, the Avalon Ballroom in L.A. is considered by some to be one of the most legendary venues in North America. With a list of acts reading like a music, TV, comedy and celebrity laundry list spanning 80 years, it’s no wonder.

The Avalon hosted the Beatles’ first West Coast performance in 1964, the Jackson Five made their first appearance there, and the legendary Ramones played their very last show there. Not to mention the tons of hard working bands who have hit the stage there to perform at a Bodog Battle gig!

In addition to hosting live music events, the Avalon hosted ’60s-era TV shows like The Newlywed Game, the Colgate Comedy Hour, and the Jerry Lewis Show. Located at 1735 N. Vine in Hollywood, the Avalon Ballroom first opened in 1927, and it’s been playing host to live music, theater, and TV shows for over 80 years. The place is so hallowed, some even say its halls are haunted. But you’ll have to go there yourself to see!

The new official Fear Nuttin Band website is online and in full effect! Check out the new site and sign up for the FNB Backstage Pass on the home page for exclusive FNB content coming soon!

In anticipation of the April 29 release of their debut album Yardcore, the FNB website gives fans a place to get their Fear Nuttin fix on everything from sneak peeks at new tracks to band member bios.

Visit FearNuttinBand.com to get the latest FNB videos, music, news and tour updates – and be sure to check out the band’s Yardcore song lyrics and the special bonus Fear Nuttin Band glossary of their Jamaican-infused vocab.