Tonight (12/21) is the final show in Fox’s Next Great American Band competition, and as we have been chronicling this past few weeks, The Clark Brothers are in the running for the big prize. While not strictly a bluegrass act, they have performed throughout on mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar and resophonic guitar, and the three brothers have a long history in bluegrass and old time music.

If the panel of judges is an accurate barometer of the voting public, they have an excellent chance to take it all, and receive a major label recording contract. A previous attempt for the guys as a more mainstreamed country act was a disaster, but they have refined their show and their sound, and could hit as a hunky reprise of the Dixie Chicks phenomenon if produced and promoted effectively.

And they would have loads more bluegrass parking lot cred…

Bands that were eliminated in previous episodes will be back for the final show, including bluegrass band Cliff Wagner and the Old #7. Our official NGAB correspondent, Casey Henry, passed along this tidbit:

Cliff Wagner’s wife Robin says, “He’s all dressed up like Bing and gets lots of camera time!” Might there be a little “White Christmas” action going on? I guess we’ll have to tune in and see!

The show airs at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on Fox, and the winner will be chosen by a phone vote, a la American Idol. The ratings for Next Great American Band have been disappointing, especially for a show in the Idol mold, but we hope that Clark Brothers fans - and anyone who would like to see a solid, acoustic/bluegrass band win the prize - will jam the phone lines tonight.

If you find yourself at home, or near a TV this evening, perhaps you could find a moment to cast a vote for these fine young musicians?