ProgPower USA is a progressive and power metalfestival held annually in the United States since 2001.[1] Its upcoming edition, ProgPower USA XXII is scheduled to take place on September 6-9, 2023. The festival's band selection process focuses on quality over quantity.[2] In addition to the emphasis on the power and progressive metal genres, the festival has branched out into other genres with the inclusion of the "oddball" slot that does not fit the normal motif.[3] ProgPower USA gives bands that have never performed in the States a chance to perform in the country.[4] The festival has been described as a cultural experience for fans[5] with autograph signing sessions, guest appearances, reunions, and meet-and-greets.[6] The festival has hosted over 70 bands' USA debuts including Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Nightwish,[7] and Stratovarius.
Festival founder and promoter, Glenn Harveston's notion of ProgPower USA began over dinner among friends after attending the Powermad festival in Baltimore, Maryland.[9] As the festival progressed, the roster scope diversified with the intent of reaching a larger fan base.[10] The brand's international success is based upon an unofficial partnership with ProgPower Europe.[11] The festival overcame early hardship from an attendance perspective due to the tragic events of September 11 at ProgPower II[12] and flourished with multiple sell-outs over the next 13 years.
In the program for ProgPower XIX (as well as repeated posts on social media), Glenn announced ProgPower XXV (in 2025) will be his final year of the festival.
ProgPower XXI is notorious for being delayed twice by the COVID-19 pandemic and being the first edition to be held in June.
The All Star Jam was a collaboration of members of various bands who performed throughout the weekend playing familiar classic metal songs.
Showcase
The Showcase took place on Thursday October 4, 2007, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. From 2007 forward all Showcases (now called the Kick-Off) take place at the main Center Stage theater.
This Kick-Off for this year was billed as the Hellish Rock World Tour as Manticora, Gamma Ray and Helloween were on tour at the time and used the Showcase date as a regular tour stop. This event took place in the main Center Stage theater on Thursday September 25, 2008.
ProgPower USA XVII took place on September 7–10, 2016, at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Starting in 2016, ProgPower USA became a full four-day event. The Mid-Week Mayhem (Wednesday) and Kick-Off (Thursday) shows are now known as Days 1 and 2 respectively of the new format, while the traditional ProgPower USA Friday and Saturday shows are now Days 3 and 4 respectively.
Days 1 & 2
Days 1 and 2 (September 7–8, 2016) took place at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. Day 2 (Thursday show) was called the Promoter's Pick night. There were four bands per day.
ProgPower USA XXI was originally scheduled to take place on September 9–12, 2020 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was postponed. This was announced on May 22, 2020.[14]
The rescheduled dates for ProgPower USA XXI were to take place on September 8–11, 2021 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed again.
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↑ Devani, Sarjoo (2006). "ProgPower USA VII". Explicitly Intense.
↑ Hicks, Taylor (December 2012). "ProgPower USA". Rock N Roll Magazine.
↑ Popke, Michael (Spring 2005). "A Progressively Metallic Power Play: ProgPower USA V Unfolds with Plenty of Surprises and Establishes itself as one of the World's Elite Music Festivals". Progression Magazine.
6. Hicks, Taylor. "ProgPower USA." Rock N Roll. December 2012: 50–51. Print.
7. Popke, Michael. "A Progressively Metallic Power Play: ProgPower USA V Unfolds with Plenty of Surprises and Establishes itself as one of the World's Elite Music Festivals." Progression Magazine. Spring 2005: 71–74. Print.
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