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As always, this year's 97X Next Big Thing (featuring a very solid lineup, BTW) is looking for two local bands to open the show on Dec. 6 at the Ford Amphitheatre. Past honorees include Claiborne, Rude Squad, Trace of Day and Radio Reset. 

In a neat twist this year, 97X is sponsoring concerts by each of the 10 nominated bands at Push Ultra Lounge in St. Petersburg, starting with a show this past Wednesday by Marksmen and Look Right Penny.

Here's a quick look at all 10 nominated bands, and when they play at Push:

Marksmen: Formerly known as Glasgow, this alt-indie band has two of the best local singles you'll hear all year: The Marksman and The Blue and the Grey. (Oct. 21; their next local show is Monday with Modern Skirts at Crowbar)

Look Right Penny: In about a year, this Hudson sextet has won over fans with a raucous live show and intricate guitarwork. Fans of Paramore might dig it. (Oct. 21)

Vega Under Fire: This Naples pop-punk band's insanely catchy single Fabricated Air calls to mind a sunnier Say Anything. Friends of Select Start, they might land votes from their fans. (Oct. 28)

Red Light Run: Like We the Kings, Red Light Run are aiming to prove that quality pop-punk-alt-rock can come out of a town like Bradenton. (Oct. 28)

Variance (above): Arguably the heaviest band in the top 10, the young alt-rockers have a sound that would actually sound right at home on 97X -- think Trapt and Story of the Year. (Nov. 4)

Oh, Clemency: The under-21 rockers of Oh, Clemency mix Patrick Stump-esque vocals and twisted, almost proggy guitars into something dark and original on Pheremone -- then come right back with a lovely acoustic piano ballad on Acoustic #1. (Nov. 4)

Not Tonight Josephine: The recently be-Loafied modern rockers have been hitting it pretty hard since the release of their EP, This Orphan Heart. Whether they win or not, they're still a band worth keeping an eye on in the next year. (Nov. 11)

Aeralene: Back in July, when Soundcheck named Aeralene an Artist of the Day, we actually wrote, "they might just become the next big things on the Tampa Bay pop-punk scene." My, my, aren't we prescient. (Nov. 11.)

Stalling Dawn: Crunchy, straight-ahead modern rock by 10-year veterans of the Tampa Bay music scene. This might be their chance to make it to the big time. (Nov. 18)

Tailgunner Joe and the Earls of Slander: We've been on board the Tailgunner Joe train for a while now -- super energetic, super talented, a little like Art Brut. They hope to have a new album out by the end of the year. (Nov. 18)

Click here to vote in the contest.