While I am not 100% sure of the legitimacy of this event, since Houston bands are participating I felt the need to post about it.

This weekend, at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown, something called the xtreme Music Group is hosting a major label showcase in which 130 bands will perform for reps from Virgin, Capitol, and Island. It actually started on Thursday.

I am not sure of all of the bands performing during the event, or what types of music the showcase is focusing on, but Meridea — a young alternative rock band making strides on the Houston music scene — and Fondue Monks — a long-time Houston rock scene staple — are both taking part.

The Monks play today at noon. Meridea are playing at 8 p.m. on Sunday night.

According to the event’s website, “This event allows up and coming bands, singers, and songwriters of all genres and types of music to perform two complete songs to A&R Representatives from three major record labels and many other independent labels, publishers, managers, and booking agencies that are invited to attend this huge event. When an artist is finished performing, they will have the opportunity to receive an individual written evaluation of their performance from each of the major record labels and have all of their questions personally answered by the A&R representatives on who, what, and where their music career needs to go. All artists are welcome to attend the showcase…This event will be sold out. This event is also open to the general public. The public is invited to enjoy the many different artists of all genres and types that will be performing for the major record labels and many other music industry professionals. There will be a $10.00 cover charge for all that wish to attend the event that are not performing. The cover charge is covers one person for the entire day of the event, from 10:00 am to the last artist performing that evening around 10:00 pm.”

For the amount of bands playing, $10 doesn’t seem a bad cover charge — but if you’re only going to see your favorite band please note the two-song limit. I will probably go out of sheer curiosity.

Something about this screams “rip-off marketing scam,” but you never know. If you anything about it, email me or post in the message board. I am curious.

Now Playing in My iPod: Sonic Youth — Sonic Nurse