And another way to engage fans ahead of a big festival?  Ask them to pick a supporting band.  That is what the soon-to-be-acquired Virgin Mobile USA is doing ahead of its Mobile FreeFest next month.  The Fest happens August 30th at Merriweather Post Pavilion outside of Washington, DC, an all-day even that features headliners Franz Ferdinand, Weezer, Blink-182, and Public Enemy.

Those acts are not up for vote, though the up-and-coming hopefuls are Alesana, Black Gold, Iglu & Hartley, This Province, and the Birthday Massacre.  The “Book the Band” voting window lasts through August 14th, and is happening at virginmobilefestival.com.

And the winner last year?  That would be Hollywood Undead, a group that had never played a live gig prior to being voted.  Kyocera Wireless is also part of the promotion. 

Report by Alexandra Osorio.