Sam Ash Music's 2010 'Best In Shred' Guitar Competition Store Finals to be Held on November 10th

HICKSVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam Ash Music, America's premier full-line music store chain, is on the hunt for America's greatest unknown guitarist. The battle is underway with the contest moving into the final rounds. Challengers from across the United States are competing to win $20,000 in valuable musical gear and the opportunity to perform live onstage with legendary guitarist Steve Vai.

The store championships feature the four semi-finalists still standing from previous elimination rounds. To see a video of the store elimination rounds click here.

Competition is intense; the guitarists perform live in front of enthusiastic audiences playing along to one of six instrumental backing tracks of Steve Vai songs. A panel of judges scores the players on their technical skills, originality, accuracy, and showmanship.

The store finals take place at 7:30PM on Wednesday, November 10th at every Sam Ash Music store location and are open to the public. Admission is free. "This is a great chance to check out some of the local talent," said Sam Ash Executive Vice President Howard Mendelson. "We've been blown away by this amazing group of musicians that has turned out for this event." For a list of store locations click here.

Store champions will go on to compete regionally in Orlando, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Charlotte on December 8th. All six regional champions will win over $1,500 in guitar gear prizes from Ibanez Guitars, Morley, Line 6 Amps, Electro-Voice, Jim Dunlop Products, Samson Technologies and Zoom Effects. Regional champs will be flown to Los Angeles to compete in the grand finals on January 12th. A panel of celebrity judges will determine who is crowned Sam Ash's "Shredder of the Year -- 2010."

For more information and contest rules, visit www.samashmusic.com/vai.

SOURCE Sam Ash Music