COCHECTON and WOODBOURNE, NY — Musician Andre the Hitman will host two series of musical contests, one—Mega Music Mondays—to be held at Annie’s Ruff Cut in Cochecton, and the other, Catskills Music Showdown, to take place at the Hasbrouck Tavern in Woodbourne. The contests run from Sunday, October 18 to Sunday, December 13 at the Hasbrouck Tavern, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Monday, October 19 to Monday, December 21 for Annie’s Ruff Cut, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The audience will vote on the winners, and both events will be awarding a $1,000 pool to the stellar few—$700 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. “It’s just in time for holiday money,” Andre said. “Whether it’s your first time on stage or your hundredth, everyone is welcome!”

How the series works

Each Sunday is one event in the nine-week series.

Audience votes determine the nightly standings.

Performers earn season points based on where they finish each week.

The more consistently you perform well throughout the season, the better your chances of winning the grand prize.

Weekly standings will be posted on the following day at www.andrethehitman.com.

Prizes will be awarded after the Season Finales in December. Depending on how long it takes to tally the final votes, prizes will be available either that night or the following day.

How to participate

Performers: Sign up at the registration table before performances begin. Each performer will be assigned a number. 

Maximum performances each evening may be limited depending on attendance.

No purchase is necessary to perform.

How to vote

Audience participation is simple: Each customer receives one secret ballot. After all performances, rank your Top 5 performers using their performer numbers.

Vote only once.

Here's an example:

1st Choice #12

2nd Choice #7

3rd Choice #3

4th Choice #15

5th Choice #9

When you're finished voting, place your completed ballot in the ballot box by the exit door.

Voting closes shortly after the final performance.

Late ballots cannot be counted.

Important

Andre asks that everyone stays through the final performance if they can. “Every performer deserves an audience.” (And you never know, the next person up might be a fantastic surprise.)

Remember that you're voting for your favorite performances of the evening—not just for your friends.

Results will NOT be announced that evening.

Ballots are counted after the event.

Weekly standings will be posted the following day at: www.andrethehitman.com.

Performers, come back next time and move up the leaderboard.

Season Points accumulate over all nine weeks. Every performer earns points each week, and the better you place, the more Season Points you earn. Consistent participation and strong performances throughout the season give every performer a chance to win.

What really matters

Whether you're singing, playing an instrument, performing original music, or supporting local talent, the Catskills Music Showdown and Mega Music Mondays are about great music, a friendly atmosphere, community, supporting live entertainment and most importantly, having fun, Andre said.

The Hasbrouck Tavern is located at 1001 Benton Hollow Road in Woodbourne, and Annie's Ruff Cut is located at 90 Forman Road in Cochecton. 

Need to learn more? Visit www.andrethehitman.com.