Cruz, a five-musician band specialising in electronic rock, has been announced the lucky winner from a host of new Maltese bands which took part in a competition that was launched by Winter Moods and by 89.7 Bay to find a supporting band for the 2010 summer concert on the 28th July at The Granaries in Floriana.

The competition, which was open to all new and unsigned Maltese bands who have not yet released any recorded material on radio, offered a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those local bands which are still looking for their big break. Over the past weeks, a panel of judges short-listed ten bands, eventually picking Cruz as the winner. The band will perform a total of three songs, including their original material, live during the Winter Moods concert which is being organised by NnG Promotions.

“Winter Moods have always made it a priority to support other bands which are still cutting their teeth in the scene. We happy to be giving this opportunity to Cruz and look forward to experiencing their music,” said Ivan Grech, frontman for Winter Moods.

Speaking about the collaboration between 89.7Bay and Winter Moods, station manager Victor Formosa expressed his satisfaction at the response that the hunt for the supporting act had attracted.

“89.7 and Winter Moods go a long way together and as the window for local music talent we were happy to work with the band on this project. I look forward to welcoming Cruz on the music scene and on 89.7 Bay.”

CRUZ was formed in the late summer of 2009 through the on-line virtual meet of Marilyn and Rob. The band eventually evolved into a 5 piece band with the following line-up – Pierluigi (a.k.a. PG) on drums, Jean-Paul on keys and Chris on bass, who fit the bill as rock loving musicians. Cruz kicked off their musical adventure with a well attended gig at Muddy Waters in Spring 2010 and the band has since played at a number of venues.

“We are very excited at this opportunity to play alongside Malta’s biggest and most respected band. It has been a dream for us to break into the music scene and this concert is the perfect vehicle for us. Winter Moods are synonymous with the music scene and their concerts always attract some of the biggest audiences on the island, so we are looking forward to the experience,” said Pier Luigi Mollicone, drummer for CRUZ.
Nigel Camilleri, for NnG Promotions, added that it is refreshing to see that Malta’s top selling artists still have the local music scene at heart.

“We are happy to support Winter Moods in this endeavour to foster Maltese talent. Their 2008 concert was attended by the largest paying crowd for a Maltese band and winning this competition offers an unimaginable opportunity for Cruz.”

Tickets for the concert start from €15 and are available from all Vodafone, Agenda and Exotique outlets or from www.nngpromotions.com. There is also an offer of two tickets for the price of one to all Vodafone subscribers from Vodafone outlets.

The concert is supported by Vodafone and BANIF Bank. Over the recent years, NnG Promotions have established themselves as the leading promoters of large scale concerts involving top international artists including Joseph Calleja, Ronan Keating, Roger Waters, Bryan Adams, Sting, Elton John, Eros Ramazzotti, Duran Duran, Michael Bolton, Tom Jones, Abba – The Show and Laura Pausini.