Niagara Falls bartenders battle for a chance to become Hard Rock's 2015 global BARocker champion

Hard Rock Café, Niagara Falls USA, hosts first round of global bartending competition

Hard Rock International is shining the spotlight on the brand's talented bartenders for Hard Rock's third annual global BARocker competition. The battle will call on Hard Rock bartenders from around the world to showcase their top-notch bartending skills for the chance to be named Hard Rock's best BARocker of 2015.

At 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Hard Rock Café, Niagara Falls USA, will host its local round of this global competition, featuring the cafe's bartenders who will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including Kelly Lang of the NACC, Marc Frisicaro from Frizzy's Bar & Grill, Pat Proctor from Rainbow Air Helicopter, Vanessa Groeneveld from Niagara Jet Adventure and Joshua Maloni of Niagara Frontier Publications. Competitors will be evaluated on several elements, including recipe knowledge, pour testing, accuracy, speed, flair and showmanship.

After the competition, The Fools will take the stage at Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls USA as part of "Free Music Friday."

The first-place winner of Hard Rock's BARocker competition will advance to the next round for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid getaway to one of Hard Rock's resort properties. Niagara Falls' champion also will receive a 3-D copper 2015 BARocker pin, which features a cocktail glass and teal background, along with a grand prize from Hard Rock Café, Niagara Falls USA.

The local BARocker winner will move on to the next round and represent Niagara Falls in a regional competition with other Hard Rock Café bartenders for a chance to compete in the global round. Thirteen regional champions from around the world will then be flown to Orlando, Florida, for Hard Rock's annual Global Conference in January 2016 and the worldwide finals.

The grand prizewinner will receive a global BARocker pin, "2015 BARocker of the Year" Fender guitar, trophy, apparel and an ultimate getaway for two to the winner's choice of one of Hard Rock's all-inclusive resort properties. The global BARocker champion will have his or her winning drink featured on Hard Rock's beverage menu for a limited time.

Guests are encouraged to join in on the fun and cheer on their favorite Hard Rock bartenders as they battle their way to the title.

Hard Rock Café is located at 333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls. For more information, visitwww.hardrock.com/NiagaraFallsUSA.