Dirty Smile moves on to represent Western New York in final round of 'Hard Rock Rising'

Band among top 25 finalists in Hard Rock's global battle of the bands competition

Western New York's Dirty Smile has made it to the top 25 in the "Hard Rock Rising" global battle of the bands. Competing against other Hard Rock's worldwide, they finished with the third-highest number of votes received in the competition. It is now in the hands of industry judges to pick the top three winners.

Hard Rock International called on aspiring musicians around the globe to battle for a chance at stardom through this year's "Hard Rock Rising" battle of the bands competition - and they responded. More than 10,000 bands entered worldwide, 418,000 votes were submitted and 750 bands competed in live battles at 70-plus Hard Rock Cafés around the world.

Following several battle rounds against some of Western New York's top talent, Dirty Smile will now move on to the final voting round and vie for the opportunity of a lifetime: an all-expenses paid trip to Rome to perform at the first "Hard Rock Live Rome" music festival this summer.

Second- and third-prize winners will each receive new music equipment and gear valued at $10,000.

Dirty Smile has already received a taste of the rock star lifestyle in Western New York, and will now be judged alongside 24 other winners from across the globe. These local winners will be evaluated by a panel of celebrity judges and music industry professionals, including Steven Van Zandt, producer, songwriter, creator of the world's most successful radio rock show "Little Steven's Underground Garage," founding member of the E Street Band and soon to be Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee; singer and hit songwriter Bonnie McKee, known for her hit single "American Girl," as well as hit songs for Katy Perry, Kesha and Britney Spears; Scott Hutchison of acclaimed indie-band Frightened Rabbit; Laura Taylor of Everybody's Management, who currently works with Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons; Stone, guitarist of Taiwanese band Mayday; and Hard Rock Records' Artist Relations Executive James Buell. They will determine the grand prize winner and two runner-up bands.

The overall winner will be flown to Italy and receive the ultimate rock star experience: the chance to visit the historic city of Rome and join NEGRAMARO for the main stage festivities at "Hard Rock Live Rome."

Visit www.hardrock.com/niagarafalls for additional details.

Set in Piazza del Popolo Saturday, July 12, "Hard Rock Live Rome," a free outdoor music festival, will feature a headline performance by Italian chart toppers, NEGRAMARO, and six hours of live performances by more than 10 bands on two outdoor stages.

Visit www.hardrock.com for details on event dates and times.