DURANGO, Colo. - Popular Durango-based rock band Formula 151 took a second step toward winning a $1 million recording contract, by placing first during the Denver auditions for the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands, held Oct. 27 at The Marquis Theater.

Results were posted today, Oct. 31, on the Bodog show website. The win propels Formula 151, honored initially by being chosen to audition, to the next round scheduled Dec. 5, again in Denver.

Bodog Music is an international, independent record label featuring a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians. Focusing on unique marketing opportunities, Bodog Music is behind the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands – the search for the best unsigned bands in the country. Grand prize includes $1 million recording and marketing contract with Bodog Music, live shows in multiple major cities across the globe and a reality TV show.

Formula 151’s win was based on fan voting on-line (voting instructions follow this news release) and in-person at the show, including influence by record executives. The 24 bands in the Denver auditions each performed three songs, and Formula 151 selected three originals, “Bittersweet,” “Three Wise Men” and “Your Picture.”

Dave Mensch, Formula 151 lead singer/songwriter/guitarist, noted, “Bodog is all about rock, so we hit it hard with ‘Bittersweet’ from the get-go. But I think the Bodog representatives were judging more than our performance, and looking at the whole package – how we presented ourselves, our marketing, personality, everything we did the whole time we were there.”

As a band, Formula 151, launched by Mensch in 2004, is known for offering a unique sound among today’s contemporary bands. Heavily influenced by the long heritage of singer/songwriters, as well as the cutting-edge rock bands, Formula 151 takes its listeners on a melodic and lyrical journey while incorporating dynamic musical arrangements performed by Mensch, Katherine Jetter Tischhauser (electric cello), Mike Kornelson (bass), and Steve Dejka (drums/percussion). 

“The inclusion of Katherine and the cello is something that definitely set us apart from other bands in the competition. Plus we had the biggest crowd,” said Mensch, expressing his appreciation to fans who traveled to Denver for the show. “It made a difference. No other band brought any people. Our people went crazy when we performed and the rest of the room followed. It was awesome. Without our fans there we wouldn’t have had as big of an effect. We hope we can have an even bigger following on Dec. 5.”

Formula 151 is currently looking into sponsorship for fan transportation and lodging. Mensch hopes to secure enough underwriting that, for the price of a ticket to the show in Denver, $10, local Durango fans will be able to attend.

“Even though us being number one right now is pretty fantastic,” said Mensch. “The whole experience is pushing us to do our best again in Denver and go on to the semi-regionals in Las Vegas next February.”

During last year’s competition more than 7,000 bands registered and performed at 350 battle showcases throughout the U.S. The field was then narrowed down to 10 lucky semi-finalists that competed in the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands reality TV series. Over four weeks, the 10 bands traveled across the U.S., performing showcases for local fans and completing a series of hardcore challenges designed to test their abilities as a rock band. Eliminating one band each episode, the show featured live performances from the competing artists and criticisms as well as praises brought to them by the panel of expert judges.

For further information about Formula 151, and to sample the music, visit the band’s web site, www.myspace.com/f151. Explore the Bodog Music world at http://battle.bodoglife.net/home/.

On-line Bodog Battle of the Bands voting continues through the Dec. 5 show, with fans allowed to vote once every 24 hours. For voting instructions, see information below.

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Personal Note from Dave Mensch:

Formula 151 Fans!
The Bodog Web Page is a little hard to surf…which makes it hard to sign in and vote! So, I logged in to their page as a fan and wrote down the process! Hope this helps.

Here are the steps to finding us, registering...all the way to voting daily. PLEASE, Don't Let these steps fool you - THIS ONLY TAKES 5 MINUTES OR LESS!

Finding Formula 151 on the Bodog Web Page:
E-mail Version -
1. Use this Link - http://battle.bodoglife.net/bandsandmusic/182754/Formula%20151/

Word of Mouth Version -
1. Go to www.bodoglife.com
2. At the extreme top of the page look for the "Bodog Music" button - click
3. At the top in the Grey Menu Bar look for the "Bodog Battle" button - click
4. Select a region…United States please. 
5. In the now Black Menu Bar on the right side is the "Search for Bands" button and text field
6. Type in "Formula 151"
7. When the results appear, click on "Formula 151" - You are there!

Sign In To Vote - Once on our profile page, follow these steps to start your voting! (HEADS UP -You will need your e-mail account open too)

1. Click on the button "Sign in to Vote" - Just below our…stretched to fit logo.
2. On the right side find the "Fans Sign Up Now" button - click
3. Fill out your personal info in the text fields - find the button on the right "Continue to Step 2" - click
4. Enter a Password…type twice to confirm - find the button on the right "Continue to Last Step" - click
5. SUBSCRIPTIONS…if you don't want any of their newsletters…DESELECT their offers
6. Select "I agree...Privacy Policy" - Find the button on the right "Confirm My Account" - click
At this point an activation code is being sent to your e-mail account. It arrives fairly quick so keep the web page up and retrieve your activation code.

7. Enter your e-mail, password, and activation code - click "Submit Now"
8. Once on Bodog's Thank You Page…Click "Click Here To Continue"
You are now logged in and on your Fan Manager Page! DO NOTHING HERE the text fields are for editing only.
9. At the top right in the Black Menu Bar on the right side is the "Search for Bands" button and text field
10. Type in "Formula 151"
11. When the results appear, click on "Formula 151" - You are now back on our profile page
12. Below our Logo the button should now read "Vote Now" - Click to Cast your First Vote
Once you have voted the "Vote Now" button changes to "Vote Submitted"
Note - If the "Vote Now" Button hasn't changed from "Sign in to Vote"...refresh the page.
FYI - Votes can be cast once a day…but it MUST be 24 hours after your last vote!

Voting Daily - Once you've registered and activated your account PLEASE COME BACK TO VOTE ONCE A DAY!
1. Go to - http://battle.bodoglife.net/home/ BOOKMARK THIS PAGE NOW (Right Click)
2. The top right corner is the login area - Enter your email and password - Click "Login"
You are now logged in and on your Fan Manager Page!
3. At the top right in the Black Menu Bar on the right side is the "Search for Bands" button and text field
4. Type in "Formula 151"
5. When the results appears, click on "Formula 151" - You are now on our profile page
6. Below our Logo find the button "Vote Now" - Click to Cast your Vote!
Once you have voted the "Vote Now" button changes to "Vote Submitted"
FYI - Votes can be cast once a day…but it MUST be 24 hours after your last vote!

Thank you so much for your time!
Thanks for listening…and Keep Voting!

Dave Mensch
Singer/Songwriter with Formula 151
mensch@formula151.net
Ph #: 970-247-4151
www.myspace.com/f151
www.formula151.net

With your support, you can help take us to the next stage in the competition and closer to that One Million Dollar Recording Contract, and a chance to be a part of the "Bodog Battle of the Bands TV Reality Show" (see www.newbodogtv.com). To Purchase TICKETS to any of our Bodog performances, visit http://battle.bodoglife.net/home/ or at the Marquis Theater office.