"Steppin' Out 2008"

Steppin' Out 2008
Launches Annual Steppin’ Out with the Stars Talent Search & Showcase
Finals Will be Held Monday, September 29 at Scullers Jazz Club

"Steppin’ Out for The Dimock Center", celebrating its 21st Anniversary this year at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel on Saturday, November 8, announces the launch of its annual Steppin’ Out with the Stars Talent Search & Showcase. Contestants will be judged on musical ability, presentation, creativity and style.

One hot new jazz, blues, Latin, reggae or R&B artist or group will have the opportunity to win $500, perform alongside internationally known artists and showcase their musical talents before attending press, major corporate heads and music industry professionals at Steppin' Out for The Dimock Center on Saturday, November 8.

Previous artists who have appeared at Steppin’ Out include George Benson, Roy Haynes, Eddie Palmieri, Roberta Flack, Marlena Shaw, Oleta Adams, Bobby Caldwell, Ramsey Lewis and many others.

Entry Requirements:
Entrants must be jazz, R&B, Latin, reggae or blues in style
All entrants must be 21 or older
Eligibility is limited to bands or individual performers that have never previously performed at Steppin’ Out

How To Enter:
Submit registration form with photo of band or individual artist; forms and full instructions are downloadable at www.dimock.org
Submit demo with at least two songs [CD or DVD] to Debi Johnson, The Dimock Center, 55 Dimock Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
The deadline for receipt of materials is September 15, 2008.

Selection Process:
All finalists will be notified by September 24th, 2008
Four finalists will need to perform 10 minute sets at Scullers Jazz Club on Monday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m.
The winner will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges

The Winning Band Will:
Be featured in the Steppin’ Out 2008 entertainment lineup alongside national headliners
Be named on promotional materials for Steppin’ Out
Receive a publicity boost!
Be presented with a cash prize of $500 the night of Steppin’ Out

Other information:
Scullers Jazz Club is located in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel at 400 Soldiers Field Road in Allston.
Steppin’ Out for Dimock is Boston’s liveliest and most highly anticipated annual gala fundraising event.
For more information, call: 617-442-8800 or go to www.dimock.org
NECN is the official television network of Steppin’ Out for The Dimock Center 2008
WGBH FM is the official radio station of Steppin’ Out for The Dimock Center 2008
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Originally founded in 1862 by Dr. Marie Zakrzewska as the New England Hospital for Women and Children, The Dimock Center is nationally recognized as a model for the integrated delivery of comprehensive health and human services in an urban community. From its historic nine-acre campus in Roxbury and satellite locations throughout Boston, The Dimock Center provides vital services and programs to thousands of Boston City residents and families annually. The Center’s 80 programs cover a range of services that include adult & pediatric medicine, eye & dental care, HIV/AIDS services, child & family development, behavioral health, and adult basic education. For more information about The Dimock Center, please visit www.dimock.org