This year was unique in that it was the debut of two acts as well as the first time the Best Regional band was voted upon to play the show. It also featured the first year of "Nick’s special guests”.
Two bands debuted at this show. The first was Minshara who featured Aaron Miller formerly of A Public Betrayal and A Utopian Skyline. Also making a debut appearance was The New Devine featuring Vocalist Nick Coyle (who’s sang w/ The Drama Club, Mydownfall and Lifer, not the current Guitarist for the band Cold. Also on this show the band No Stars Over California won the vote to become the Best Regional band. This year was the first year that the best regional band was given a prime slot on the show. Also Tapered Mind was put on the show as Nick’s Special Guests.
The show was to be headlined for a second time by Julian Fist however the band was unable to perform due to family issues that were disclosed the week of the show. In Turn The band Carving Out Fiction would serve as headliner.