It’s what many bands hope for, but few achieve: a shot at the big time.

In the current state of the music business, it can be even more difficult for local bands to advance their careers as musicians. But for Kenmore alternative rock band JAR, an opportunity to do just that is not far out of reach.

Like other Seattle-based bands before them, JAR, previously known as Jar of Rain, has been offered the chance to go on tour. For three months, the trio will tour the country as co-stars with Riot and Rhythm on the reality television series “The Making of Rockstars.”

There is, however, a catch.

The band must raise a total of $20,000 by Aug. 10. JAR’s manager, Michael “Mad Mike” Miller of Rock Out ALS, has created a Kickstarter online where fans can pledge money and receive rewards from the band. If they don’t make the deadline, those who pledged won’t owe a cent, but JAR will be out of a tour.

“We can put it our there, offer incentives to pledge, but that’s about all we can do,” JAR bass player Julio Posada said.

As of July 29, JAR has raised 21 percent of the money. It’s a bit nerve-racking for the band, with Aug. 10 being less than two weeks away.

“If people take a chance on us, there’s a lot we can  do to help other people,” drummer and vocalist John Thornburg said. “When this opportunity was given to us, my instant thought was… all my friends’ bands and the things I could do to help them.”

Each member of the band share a mutual frustration with the declined state of the music industry. With music being downloaded for free online, music labels aren’t making enough money to sign new bands. Musicians then must find other ways to promote their music.

“This (show) is a way for us to sell CDs without owing record companies any money. We’ll be selling everything ourselves,” John Thornburg said. It’s an interesting way to go about exposure.”

“Music is your decision,” lead guitarist Russ Thornburg said. “A lot of people are in music just to get famous, but music is more of an expression.”

The members of JAR aren’t anticipating instant success or fame. What they are really looking forward to is the chance to continue their passion for music. After two-and-a-half years as a band, and having just released its first official CD “Humans,” JAR believes the tour will be a step in the right direction.

“Success is one thing,” John Thornburg said. “But being able to do it on a regular basis and make some sort of living is all I really ask… As long as we can still do it forever.”

To pledge to JAR’s Kickstarter and help them accomplish their goals, go to:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/madmikemiller/jar-the-making-of-rockstars-tour-and-reality-tv-sh