After a succesfull debut in 2010, the Roman Roast on the River Battle of the Bands competition returns, searching for the best local bands in the area.

The contest is sponsored by 95.7 The Ridge, Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority and RN-T.com.

Last year, more than 50 bands from around the area entered the competition. When the smoke cleared, Jerry on the Moon took home the top prize and was the headliner at the 2010 Roman Roast on the River.

Click here to see Jerry on the Moon's performance during the 2010 Battle of the Bands.

This year, the competition returns looking for the next great local band.

All bands from all genres are encouraged to enter now through March 31 by e-mailing an mp3 file of one song, the band name and contact information to mattd@theridge957.com.

After band submissions have been received, a panel of judges will select the top 16 acts and those bands will enter the online voting portion of the contest, which will be held at rn-t.com.

95.7 The Ridge will announce the finalists during the Matt D and Mullins in the Morning show on April 14.

The bands selected for the contest will have their song played live on air during the morning show.

Song submissions will be played on-air each week during the morning show and listeners will be directed to go online to rn-t.com and vote for their favorite band.

The four bands receiving the most votes will compete live Saturday, May 14 on the main stage at Roman Roast on the River.

The band who receives the most votes during the live performances will be the new Battle of the Bands Champion.

The second annual Roman Roast on the River Barbecue Competition and Festival is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and will offer competitions in both professional and back yard categories.

The festival features arts and crafts, childrens activities, Miss Bar-B-Quetie, a car

show, barbecue tasting, contests and games. 100 percent of the event proceeds will benefit the

Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame fund providing scholarships to children in need for all Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation activities,including programs for persons with special needs, youth athletics and youth programs.