Costa Rican artists will have the chance compete for a slot performing before MTV Latin American awards this year through “Combat Zone” a contest that's seeking out new bands and solo artists from all musical genres in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a statement from the contest's organizers.

The winner will have a chance to perform live the night before the MTV awards, to be held in Mexico City Oct. 18, and also be offered a $50,000 contract with a music production company.

The contest will be open to musicians in 13 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, but first they must make the pre-selection cut and earn a space among the 16 bands that will compete in Combat Zone.

Pre-qualifying events are scheduled to be held in cities around the region. Costa Rican musicians are headed to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Oct. 4 to give their pre-qualifying performances, the statement said.

These artists will warm up during a series of concerts leading up to the competition, the first of which will be at Bar Cavale, in the eastern suburb of Zapote, tomorrow. Among groups that have signed up to compete are Le Pop, Proyecto Villegas, 13 Millas, The Movement in Codes, Sincrónico, Mentados, Deznuke and Broka.

Bands or artists interested in more information can visit www.lazona.com.