NuFinds at Back Table 2025

The Strange Fruit Foundation is hosting a residency at  Back Table along with NuMainstream to showcase the hidden gems of Greater Greensboro's musical talent. Artist will compete to be accepted for a booking at our annual Strange Fruit Music Festival in April!

The journey culminates now. After weeks of fierce competition, the NuFinds finale has arrived!

Join us for the grand finale on September 13 at Back Table, where our two finalists, Chris Hendrix and Grey, will take the stage one last time. From individual sets to powerful collaborations and a live band challenge, these two artists have proven their talent and resilience. Now, they'll open for one of Greensboro's most dynamic bands, The NuBeing Collective!

Experience the soulful jazz and healing sounds of Chris Hendrix and the raw, neo-trap vibes of Grey as they compete for the top prize. This is more than a show—it's a celebration of local talent and the final chapter in an incredible journey.

Don't miss your chance to witness the crowning of the NuFinds winner!

NuFinds Finale: Chris Hendrix & Grey Open for The NuBeing Collective

Get tickets to the FINALE: Register Here

NuFinds at Back Table Competition Rules

I. Eligibility & Application:

1. Age Requirement: All applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the audition date.
2. Original Music Only: All submitted music and performance material must be original compositions. Cover songs are not permitted.
3. Music Submission: Applicants must submit an MP3 file of their original music during the registration process.
4. Registration Deadline: Deadline for registration and music submission is Monday, June 16, 2025 
5. Genre Inclusivity: All musical genres are considered and encouraged.

II. Auditions:

1. Mandatory Attendance: Artists must show up for their scheduled audition time. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
2. Audition Schedule: Auditions will take place on June 17th, June 18th, and June 19th. Specific time slots will be assigned upon registration.
3. Audition Format: Yes, you can perform as a duo or group. Yes, you can bring instruments. However, if you are a part of a group you may not also perform as a solo act. Backing tracks are allowed and encouraged during your audition, acapella is also acceptable (though a house band is mentioned, this will only be available as you move up in the competition)
4. No-Show Policy: No show results in immediate disqualification. (this could also impact future opportunities with the Strange Fruit Foundation and/or NuMainstream Inc.)

III. Competition & Performance

1. House Band Accompaniment: The NuFinds instrumental sound will be provided by a house band. Artists will perform their original music with this full band.
2. Rehearsal Schedule: Information regarding rehearsal opportunities with the house band prior to the live performance will be communicated after you have completed your audition.
3. Performance Attire/Professionalism: Dress to impress. Your look should reflect your art!

IV. Winner Selection & Prize:

1. Selection Process: Auditions will be decided based on judges votes, other performances will be a mixture of audience selection and judges votes, but will ultimately be decided by the judges and the host.
2. Prize: The winner(s) will be accepted for a booking at the annual Strange Fruit Music Festival in April.
3. Prize Details: Provide more specific details about the festival booking, such as the performance slot duration, stage, and any associated compensation or benefits will be communicated with the winning artist(s) prior to the Strange Fruit Music Festival. 
4. Announcement of Winners: Winner(s) will be announced at the end of the competition.

V. General Terms & Conditions:

1. Waiver and Release: Artists will likely need to sign a waiver and release form granting the Strange Fruit Foundation rights to record, use, and distribute their performance for promotional and other purposes. 
2. Code of Conduct: 

I. Respect and Inclusivity

1. Respect for All: Treat all individuals involved with NuFinds – including fellow artists, Strange Fruit Foundation staff, Back Table venue staff, house band members, technicians, judges, volunteers, and audience members – with courtesy, respect, and dignity, regardless of their background, beliefs, or role.
2. Inclusive Environment: Foster an inclusive atmosphere free from discrimination, harassment, or prejudice based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any other characteristic.
3. Constructive Communication: Engage in constructive and polite communication. Avoid aggressive, demeaning, or offensive language, gestures, or actions.
4. Privacy: Respect the privacy of others. Do not share personal information about other participants or staff without their express consent.

II. Professionalism and Preparation

1. Punctuality: Be punctual for all scheduled auditions, rehearsals, performances, and any other designated appointments. If unforeseen circumstances cause a delay, communicate immediately with the NuFinds contact person.
2. Preparedness: Arrive prepared for all sessions. This includes knowing your material for auditions and performances, being ready to rehearse with the house band, and having any necessary personal equipment (e.g., instruments if not provided, cables, picks).
3. Cooperation with House Band: Collaborate respectfully and professionally with the NuFinds house band. Be open to their musical interpretations and direction to achieve the best possible performance.
4. Technical Adherence: Follow all instructions from audio engineers, stage managers, and other technical staff to ensure a smooth and safe production. Handle all provided equipment with care.
5. Professional Demeanor: Maintain a professional demeanor at all times, both on and off stage. This includes interactions during the audition process, rehearsals, live recordings, and any related promotional activities.
6. Appropriate Attire: Dress appropriately for auditions and live performances, considering the professional nature of the recorded show.

III. Good Sportsmanship and Integrity

1. Fair Play: Compete fairly and with integrity. Do not engage in any form of cheating, sabotage, or dishonest behavior.
2. Originality: Uphold the commitment to performing original music. Any attempt to present non-original work as your own will result in immediate disqualification.
3. Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude, even if facing challenges or setbacks. Focus on the opportunity to showcase your talent and grow as an artist.
4. Graciousness in Victory and Defeat: Whether you are selected for the Strange Fruit Music Festival or not, respond with grace and sportsmanship. Congratulate winners genuinely and learn from the experience.
5. Constructive Feedback: If providing feedback to peers, do so constructively and respectfully.
6. Adherence to Rules: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to all NuFinds competition rules and guidelines.

IV. Safety and Venue Respect

1. Venue Rules: Abide by all rules and regulations of the Back Table venue and any other locations used for NuFinds activities.
2. Safety First: Prioritize your own safety and the safety of others. Report any unsafe conditions or incidents to NuFinds staff immediately.
3. Property Care: Treat all property belonging to the Strange Fruit Foundation, Back Table, and other participants with care and respect. Any damage caused by negligence may be the responsibility of the participant.
4. Substance Use: The use of illegal drugs or excessive consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited during all NuFinds related activities. Participants must not be impaired during auditions, rehearsals, or performances.

V. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including:

• Verbal warning
• Removal from current and future NuFinds activities
• Disqualification from the competition
• Forfeiture of any prizes or opportunities

1. Intellectual Property: 

• Artist Retains Ownership: Participating artists explicitly retain full copyright and ownership of their original musical compositions and lyrics submitted and performed during NuFinds.
• Limited Usage Rights Granted to Strange Fruit Foundation: By participating, artists grant the Strange Fruit Foundation a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to record, reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform their submitted and performed music solely for the purpose of the NuFinds competition, the "NuFinds" live recorded shows, and for promotional activities related to the Strange Fruit Foundation and the Strange Fruit Music Festival.
• Promotional Use: This granted usage right includes, but is not limited to, featuring performances on NuFinds recordings, promotional videos, social media, websites, and marketing materials directly associated with the Strange Fruit Foundation's initiatives.
• No Commercial Sale by Foundation: The Strange Fruit Foundation will not commercially sell the artists' individual music tracks or performances outside of the context of the NuFinds program or related promotional compilations without further explicit agreement and negotiation with the artist.