Organisers have told 4BR that preperations are in hand for the sixth annual US Open Brass Band Championships, hosted by the Prairie Brass Band.

Line up

Produced by Brass Bands International Corporation and in partnership with sponsor Buffet Crampon, the organisers have announced the line up of bands who will take the stage in competition on November 8th at the Norris Performing Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois. Doors Open at 9a.m. and the contest will run until 4:30 p.m.

Contenders

Performing on the day will be defending champions, Fountain City Brass Band, as well as Brass Band of Central Florida, Eastern Iowa Brass Band, Milwaukee Festival Brass, Prairie Brass Band and debutantss, Madison Brass Band and Ohio Brass Band.

Everyone on the US Open Committee is very excited about 2008 being another year of marked growth for the eventClark Niermeyer, President of the US Open Board

Prizes

The bands will be competing for the Championship Trophy and $1,000.00 sponsored by Buffet Crampon, as well as many other band and individual awards including a special, custom built cornet, which will be engraved with "US Open — Best Cornet — 2008".

The famous Buskers Award will be keenly fought over as usual with a Buskers' Preview being held on the Friday night at McNally’s local Irish pub.

US Voice

Frank Renton, "The Voice of the US Open" will be the host whilst the judges for the main contest are Dr. Dale J. Lonis, William Himes and Peter J. Griffin.

Marked growth

Clark Niermeyer, President of the US Open Board told 4BR: "Everyone on the US Open Committee is very excited about 2008 being another year of marked growth for the event. From a new performance venue at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, to our partnership with the Brass in Concert event, two new bands, to a new Banquet and Awards venue. All of this is a direct result of the growing interest from the bands and spectators as well as the ongoing generous support from our sponsors."

For further details go to: www.usopenbrass.org