Nine SFX Entertainment-operated amphitheaters will introduce the Levi's 1st Stage in 2000, where local bands in each market will perform prior to national touring acts. The stage will be co-sponsored by SFX, music superstore chain Mars Music and Levi's.

The Mars Music website currently contains information on how bands can perform at the Mars Music Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Fla. According to a press release, information can also be found in the June issue of The Musician's Planet, distributed free at Mars Music.

Other cities with participating venues are Boston, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Nashville, Houston, Kansas City, Kan., Charlotte, N.C. and Raleigh, N.C.