Arts & Entertainment
Battle of the Bands Kickoff Concert Takes Over Library
The search for bands to compete in the 15th annual Rockus Maximus got under way at the kick off concert Saturday.
It was anything but quiet at the Land O’ Lakes Library Saturday night.
About 90 people turned out for the Rockus Maximus Battle of the Bands kickoff event to enjoy the free concert. Though there wasn’t any battling going on, a handful of bands played their set list for the crowd.
The show was a way to “draw awareness” to the upcoming 15th annual battle of the bands competition, said Paul Stonebridge, the teen services manager for Pasco County Libraries.
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The event kicks off the application period for bands that want to compete in the annual battle of the bands, which will be held March 23.
"Any band with the majority of members aged 21 and under is eligible, so long as they play their own instruments and have at least two original songs," Stonebridge said in a
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"All music styles are welcome," Stonebridge said.
Registration is free, and all that’s needed are two songs, via CD or online linked, for the judges to determine the eight bands selected to play in the competition. Two bands have been registered so far, and the committee would like to have 20 bands to choose from. Last year, the battle registered 16 bands.
Bands interested in registering can find applications online at www.rockusmaximus.com.
The eight bands selected on Jan. 16 will play in one concert, featuring four of the bands, on two separate dates in January and February, which will be announced at a later date.
The final battle of the bands concert, featuring all eight bands, will be on March 23.
The winning band from the March 23 show will receive a $1000 cash prize, as well as a 10-hour recording session with Morrisound Studios. Second- and third-place winners also will receive studio time.
Voters also will be able to vote online, and the Internet contest may have different winners from the live show. The first place online-voting winner will receive a $500 gift card at Encore Music; the second-place winner receives a $250 gift card.
Meanwhile, sponsors are still being sought out, and the concert committee welcomes all.
Sponsors can sign up online at www.rockusmaximus.com or contact Stonebridge at 813-929-1214.