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Community Corner

Wiregrass Battle Of The Bands Deemed A Success

Crowds came out to Wiregrass on Saturday for inaugural event to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Two dozen entertainment acts representing a diversity of musical genres packed in the crowds Feb. 19 as The Shops at Wiregrass unveiled its first-ever Battle of the Bands.

“The Battle of the Bands event that we had this past weekend was an enormous success and far exceeded our expectations,” said Greg M. Lenners, general manager of the mall. “Based on our preliminary discussions with the bands,  they believed that it was a very smooth and successful event for them as well. We far exceeded our (financial) goal and are extremely happy that we were able to make a significant contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”

Alternative/Rock band Stix of Fire won first place, and will receive, among other prizes, a full day studio recording session at Morrisound Recording, including production of a demo CD.

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“This is actually my second time working with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and participating in charity events is a huge priority for our company,” said Ryan Seay, studio manager at Morrisound Recording in Tampa.

Adds Morrisound’s president, Tom Morris, who has worked with Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, P.Diddy and The Trans-Siberian Orchestra to name a few: “We’ve been in the business for 30 years and we always try to give back to good causes throughout the area. We’ve had the honor of donating studio time to several Battle of the Bands fundraisers and will continue to do so.”

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One Judges Choice Award was presented for each of the four stages (Center Court 1, Center Court 2, The Brass Tap and AJA). Judges Choice Award winners received a trophy and prizes along with an invitation to come back to Wiregrass to perform at The 2011 Gatherings Spring Concert Series.

The Judges Choice Award Winners included Land O’ Lakes own Culprit (representing Stage 1, Center Court) and John Gold (Stage 3, The Brass Tap). 

Nunes at Nite and Mojo Dragonfly rounded out the other Judges Choices.

“I live to service others and this is a great service and am fortunate to have the opportunity to bless people – those suffering from leukemia or lymphoma and the audience members – in a miniscule way through song,” said folk singer John Gold.

Tristan Dusek, lead guitarist and back-up vocals for the classic rock quartet Culprit admitted he was both excited and nervous on the big day. 

“But, when I get going it will be great,” he said. “Although we do this for fun, it’s awesome knowing that we are raising funds to support a charity like LLS,” said the Land O’ Lakes High student. 

Culprit – whose other band members include Tristan Dusek, Jared Dolitzky and Eric Whitener – performed its first original single, ‘Take Me As I Am,” as well as a few cover hits by two of their favorite bands, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Pearl Jam.

Terri Dusek, mother to Tristan and his older brother Tyler, might be Culprit’s biggest fan. The real estate agent has watched her sons blossom into recording artists since buying them their first drum set at age 7 for Tyler, and first guitar at 5 for Tristan.

 “I love it,” she said. “They are so talented and I know I’m their mom, but I was completely blown away when I first heard them perform at the Hillsborough Country Fair’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ last year (where Culprit placed second).  They have always loved music and in fact, attended their very first concert – Slash and Ozzy Osbourne – Friday night at the St. Pete Times Forum.”

Professional wresting announcer, actor and public speaker Shannon Rose, was one of the judges and emcee’s at The Brass Tap. 

“It means a lot for me to be here,” Rose said. “I enjoy being part of community events that help raise money for great causes. In a perfect world someday down the road, hopefully we can find a cure as a result of events like this. And this crowd is amazing; it’s great to see everyone come out to support both LLS and the talent.”

 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was also pleased with the event.

“It means so much to us that The Shops at Wiregrass are so invested in our organization,” said Kaeleen Weisler, the society’s campaign coordinator. “We are absolutely pleased with the outcome today – you can see the excitement on everyone’s faces. And, we are just so thankful for people like Greg who act as Ambassadors for LLS, helping spread awareness to this important cause.”

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