The Seacoast’s music scene got some sad news recently when members of The Minus Scale announced their pending disbandment. The sole consolation is that the group will play a farewell show at the Dover Brick House on Sunday, Aug. 16, and it promises to be a memorable gig for musicians and fans, alike.

Formed in 2001, The Minus Scale has been an anchor of the Seacoast’s rock scene. They have weathered several lineup changes over the years but never compromised the intensity and passion of their music, an emo-rock, pop-punk, indie brand of local rock.

The band’s latest lineup includes Ryan Lavasseur on vocals and guitar, Pat Griffin on drums, AJ Tobey on bass and Chris Delisle on guitar. They released their most recent CD, “Hotter,” last fall.

The band plans to perform songs from every album they’ve put out. They also say they’ll fill the show with plenty of guest appearances, even flying in former band members to represent all past and present lineups. New Jersey’s garage rock band Fairmont, who shared several bills with The Minus Scale, will open the show.

On their MySpace page, the band members blog that it will be one of the most emotional days of their lives—but also one of the most fun.

The show begins at 4 p.m. at the Dover Brick House, 2 Orchard St., Dover, 603-749-3838. Tickets are $11. Visit www.myspace.com/theminusscale for more information.

singer-songwriter competition in Dover

Ear Craft Music’s annual singer-songwriter talent competition kicks off with a qualifying round on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the store in Dover. Two rounds later, the winner will come away with a Taylor 110 acoustic guitar.

Fresh off the completion of the third annual Shredfest guitar competition last month, Ear Craft and Taylor Guitar are gearing up for their second singer-songwriter contest. During the qualifying round, solo musicians or duos will perform an original song for the judges. Those who advance will enter the preliminary round on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at which time they will play a cover song. The final round takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with another original song.

This year’s guest judges include Grammy-winning musician Ed Gerhard, Thundering Sky engineer and producer Chris Magruder, and Ear Craft’s own Scot Gelzinis.

The competition gives artists a chance to network with other musicians and showcase their talent. All ages are welcome to enter. To sign up, call 603-749-3138 or visit the store at 432 Central Ave., Dover. Rounds begin at 7 p.m. Contestants must enter the first round in order to participate.

Great Bay Music Festival books 19 bands, and counting

It’s not quite Woodstock, but the Great Bay Music Festival is upholding the tradition and spirit of live music gatherings with its second annual weekend-long concert at Back River Farm in Dover. The festival will take place from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 18 to 20.

The festival has grown since its debut a year ago, lining up 19 area bands by mid August with plans to add even more. Highlights on the bill include an appearance from Portland, Maine’s Paranoid Social Club and a reunion show from the Seacoast’s own Heavens to Murgatroid.

The festival takes place on a large, grassy field off Bayview Road skirted by woods, ponds and hills. The 80-acre farm bordering the Bellamy River is preserved in conservation by the Huggins family. One of the festival’s goals this year is to raise money to open a non-profit wilderness learning center at the farm.

Other acts on the bill include Superfrog, Among Criminals, One Fine Morning, Gnarlemagne, Rubblebucket Orchestra, Spiritual Rez, Danny Klein’s Full House, Entrain, Goosepimp Orchestra, Roots Nation, Soak, Duty Free, The Fiends, Ryan Ordway, Dan Walker, The Obe and Cantonese Traffic.

The music begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 18 and restarts at about 11 a.m. on the 19th and 20th, stretching until about midnight each night. Vendors will offer a variety of foods, beverages and crafts at the show. 

Tickets to the three-day festival are $40 in advance or $50 on opening day. For more information, visit www.greatbaymusicfestival.com. Tent sites and motor home/camper sites will be available at the farm, as well as parking.