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March Music Madness

The Current's March Music Madness

Come arbitrarily vote for bands in The Current's annual March Music Madness!
Come arbitrarily vote for bands in The Current's annual March Music Madness!MPR Graphic

March 26, 2015

Last year at college basketball tournament time, we tried an experiment: we invited our listeners to vote on their favorite artists to choose who would advance in a tournament-style bracket. The results? Never mind who won (okay, it was the Beatles) – you were really into it. So, of course, we knew we had to do it again!

As in the NCAA bracket, we have 64 contestants – chosen purely for the fun of it, to represent a range of the different artists, past and present, we play on The Current. We're running match-ups every half-hour in an online vote-off. The shot clock is ticking...who makes the three-point jump for your love? The White Stripes or the Strokes? Bjork or the Smiths? Aretha Franklin or the Beach Boys?

Here's how The Current's March Music Madness works: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24-27, 2015 we'll open a new match every 30 minutes for you and other listeners to vote on. As each round ends, a new one begins. And in case you need a refresher, you can hear back-to-back songs by the artists going head-to-head at the top of each hour and half hour on The Current. Remember: this week is the fan vote (last week was the predictions bracket).

When you register for The Current's March Music Madness below, you'll also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Mill City Sound.

How to Vote in The Current's March Music Madness

  • Create a username or log in via Facebook using the web app below

  • Vote for your favorite band or artist every half hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24-27, 2015 (pro tip: if you don't see an open match on your screen, click around to the different quadrants)

  • Be sure to save your picks for each match

  • Follow along and share your picks on Twitter using the hashtag #MarchMusicMadness

  • If you'd like push notifications of matches on your phone, text "bracket" to 677677 and we'll let you know when the The Current's Sweet 16, Elite Eight, et cetera polls open

You might want to pencil your picks in first, or even start an office pool. Download a PDF of the bracket.

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