the challenge was begun in 2006 by staff at the portsmouth nh alternative newspaper the wire. the event was promoted in the paper, and cds for that and subsequent years were dropped off or mailed to the wire offices. approximately 220 bands and solo performers from throughout the new hampshire seacoast and surrounding area signed up, and produced a total of 165 cds. in early march of that year a wrap-up and listening party was held, beginning at the portsmouth music hall, and moving out to several other venues, including the press room, the red door, and the now defunct muddy river smokehouse.