IMWS

You probably already know about Discmakers - the DVD/CD duplication company. If you don't already get their catalog, you should sign up for it. You'll also get a free Mastering Guide and a 2-hour Music Seminar DVD.
They also sponsor the Independent Music World Series, which is accepting entries until May 9 for this year's showcase:

The 2007 IMWS features showcases in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Austin and will award a huge Grand Prize at each show. This is your opportunity to perform in front of music industry VIPs and win the gear to build your own home recording studio, a 1,000 CD manufacturing package, showcases at major music conferences, cash money, and more!

The IMWS exposes musicians from every genre to music industry participants through our live showcase finals. This isn't a popularity contest. Our goal is to discover, showcase, and reward the best independent artists in the country.

In each region, entries are judged on Songwriting, Overall Vibe, Musical Performance, Vocal/Lead Instrument Performance, and Originality. Genre and production quality are not a factor.

From the initial screening, 100 semi-finalists are selected and sent to the offices of Billboard magazine. Editors at Billboard screen the semi-finalists to choose six acts to play each showcase.