'Show time!

The search is on for the 60 acts who'll get to play high profile gigs as part of the 2002 IMRO Showcase Tour.

Supported by Dave Fanning and 2FM, the trek takes in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Belfast, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, with an extra 'Best Of Tour' show in Vicar St. during May.

"The IMRO Showcase Tour is one of the most important projects in the Irish music calendar, providing valuable gig opportunities to new bands," says Hot Press' Jackie Hayden.

"Over the years it has proven that the right bill of new bands can attract good audiences and also very important figures in the music industry."

Those sentiments are echoed by Stephen Reddy whose band, De Cappo, featured on the 2001 tour.

"It was a fabulous opportunity for us to perform live to new audiences," he enthuses. "We even had the bonus of picking up record company interest along the way."

If you're up for a high-profile paid gig, with advertising, P.A. and backstage rider all taken care of, send a demo to IMRO Showcase 2002, P.O. Box 5466, Dublin 4.