Jay Blakesberg

Over here at Relix, we’re about the music. But we have other interests as well, and filling out NCAA basketball tournament brackets despite dangerously limited knowledge of the teams participating happens to be one of them. And this year, we’re inviting you to join us with the official Relix NCAA Tournament Challenge!

Like tallest-Deadhead-in-the-world Bill Walton before us, we know that sports and music—especially improvisational music—can go hand-in-hand. Walton, a star college player in the ’70s with John Wooden’s legendary UCLA Bruins, is always good for a music or sports quote, so here’s one of them: “The Grateful Dead, they’re my best friends. Their message of hope, peace, love, teamwork, creativity, imagination, celebration, the dance, the vision, the purpose, the passion all of the things I believe in makes me the luckiest Deadhead in the world.”

Teamwork is key in both music and sports, and while it doesn’t take a team to fill out a March Madness bracket, feel free to collaborate with your compatriots—or go solo. When all the dust settles, the owner of the winning bracket will win a one-year subscription to Relix, plus a prize-pack of Relix merch. 

Enter the challenge here. Be sure to get your brackets in before the tournament starts this Thursday, March 15. 

And remember: Every shot you’ve taken has led you to this moment since you were four-feet high. Don’t let them see you cry.