VEAZIE – Local bands will get a chance to show off their talents and win cash prizes in support of a good cause next month. The Veazie Midsummer Music Challenge will host up to 10 local bands 2-8 p.m. Saturday, July 22, on the field by the Veazie Community School.

Participating bands may select three to four Top 40 songs from the rock ‘n’ roll era to perform during their 20-minute set. Each band must play one Beatles song. Bands will be judged on criteria such as stage presence, ability to entertain and degree of difficulty of the songs performed.

Participating bands will compete to win cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000. All proceeds will be used to procure musical instruments for the music program at Veazie Community School. Dahl-Chase and Merrill Bank already have signed on as sponsors, but more are sought. Sweet’s Market will provide the concessions and will donate its proceeds to the instrument fund.

“There are a limited number of opportunities and a tremendous amount of talent in this area,” said Bill Masters, head of the committee organizing the challenge.

“Every high school has a drama department and a music department, but it seems like after high school there’s nothing else. This is designed for kids after high school,” Masters said.

Masters said the committee is asking bands to play well-known songs to level the playing field, make the judging process easier and to ensure that the event is something people of all ages can enjoy. The chem-free event will be held on two stages, so music won’t be interrupted while bands set up.

Masters says he got the idea for The Midsummer Music Challenge after talking with University of Maine student Seth Grondin. Grondin, a musician who will compete in the challenge, is looking forward to hearing some different musical styles.

“Just hearing what people have to offer is going to be a great benefit,” he said.

Masters says he also saw the challenge as a vehicle to bring people together.

“We’re polarizing our communities,” he said. “We fight over zoning laws, we fight over school issues, I don’t care what it is. We’re creating housebound people. We don’t really have that much for community events, and what we do have tends to be a little bit hokey.”

Masters and other committee members forged ahead with the idea, winning approval from the Veazie Town Council and school board.

Duska Haymond, chairwoman of the school board, suggested that the challenge’s proceeds be used to buy instruments for the Veazie Community School. Veazie pupils now must rent or buy their instruments. The goal is to enable more students to participate in the school music program.

Grondin, a music education major, said that learning to play a musical instrument can greatly benefit a child’s development.

“Just the motor control required to play an instrument for a kid in school helps to develop their brain processes while they’re growing up. It’s a great thing all around,” he said.

Bands interested in participating in the Veazie Midsummer Music Challenge can call 947-8055 or send an e-mail to abcra@juno.com for a registration form. Registrations must be received by June 27. Consideration will be given to bands from Greater Bangor. Sponsors are also welcome.