Tuesday, February 3, 2009 – CBC Radio 3 has just announced the Top 50 clubs in its Searchlight competition, which is looking for The Best Live Music Club in Canada.

Some of the best known venues in the country, including Toronto’s Mod Club, The Rivoli and Lee’s Palace didn’t make the cut, while smaller venues such as George’s Fabulous Roadhouse in Sackville, The Almonte Town Hall in Almonte, Ontario and The Habitat in Kelowna all stayed in the race.

“I gotta say that I’m shocked that some of the bigger Toronto venues have been knocked off, whereas many smaller Toronto clubs remain, such as the Dakota Tavern and the legendary Horseshoe – although no surprise there,” says host Grant Lawrence, who announced the Top 50 today at http://www.cbcradio3.com. “There is also a real battle shaping up in Winnipeg, and all the clubs in Montreal were knocked off, yet small venues in the Maritimes and B.C. remain. This might say something to big city apathy versus small scene passion.”

Legendary clubs including Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom and The Marquee Club in Halifax also survived the first round of voting, which cut the list from over 100 nominees to 50 quarter finalists. (For complete list, see below.)

Now it’s up to voters to decide who will win the top title. The second round of voting has begun at www.cbcradio3.com, and runs until next Tuesday, February 10 at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. People are allowed to vote once per day.

Important dates are as follows:

• Tuesday, February 3: Top 50 announced

• Wednesday, February 11: Top 20 will be announced

• Wednesday, February 18: Top 10 will be announced

• Wednesday, February 25: Final winner will be announced

In addition to serious bragging rights, the top club will win a live concert presented by CBC Radio 3, a Sirius satellite radio with subscription, CBC Radio 3 clothes for the owners and staff (coveted R3 scarves included) and a winning plaque and trophy.

“Music lovers know that the very best way to experience their favourite bands, or to discover a favourite artist, is to see the act live – and most of us see them within the darkened walls of a Canadian club,” says Lawrence. “We want to reward the clubs for their dedication to the Canadian music scene. And we want to find the very best one.”

CBC Radio 3’s inaugural Searchlight competition was held last spring, and looked for the best record store in Canada. Underdog Meow Records in Prince George took the top prize, and won an in-store CBC Radio 3 broadcast, with live music by singer-songwriter Chad VanGaalen. The contest also garnered extensive local, national and international media attention.