GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Public voting is now live for the Fairest Showdown: Battle of the Bands at statefair.org. 

48 bands from across the state have entered and are eligible for the inaugural contest, which includes a grand prize of $2,000 and a chance to open at a State Fair main stage concert. Voting will continue through April 18.

Public voting will reduce the number of bands to the top 10, which will be announced on April 20.Other significant dates in the competition:

• May 8 — A panel of judges chooses the top seven bands.
• This summer — The top seven bands perform at Hear Grand Island. Hear Grand Island is a summer concert series in downtown Grand Island every Friday from June 2 to Aug. 4 featuring bands from across the state.
• Aug. 1 — The judges review the Hear Grand Island performances and choose five finalists.
• Aug. 26 — The top five bands compete at the Nebraska State Fair.

First- and second-place bands will open for national acts the following weekend.

Voting is available at https://www.statefair.org/the-fairest-showdown-battle-of-the-bands-voting.