Meet the Bands of Rockus Maximus: The Northwest

On Friday, March 23, eight bands of young musicians will compete in Pasco to rock audience members' socks off.  

One band will leave Rockus Maximus XV with the grand prize of 10 free hours of recording time at Morrisound Studio in Tampa and $1,000.

Rockus Maximus XV is the Pasco County Library System's Battle of the Bands, and it features young musicians from the Tampa Bay area and elsewhere.

There is also an online voting competition going on right now. The band that receives the most votes in the online competition will bring home a $500 gift card from Encore Music. A $250 card goes to the band with the second highest number of online votes.

Now, put your hands together for The Northwest, one of the eight bands competing in the rock-off.

Patch: What are the names of your band members, what do they play, how old are they and where are they from?

Derek Luna, The Northwest:
Derek Luna - 20 - Vocals, Bass
Dylan Buckley - 17 - Lead Guitar
Pete Bell - 19 - Keyboards
Cameron Luna - 14 - Drums
All from Sarasota, FL

Patch: What style of music do you play?

Derek Luna: Alternative Indie Rock

Patch: Why did you enter Rockus Maximus?

Derek Luna: Honestly, we wanted to compete for the cash.

Patch: How long have you been together?

Derek Luna: We have been The Northwest for 6 months.

Patch: What will you do if you win?

Derek Luna: Continue as a band. Keep trying for a good
record deal.

Patch: What makes you the best?

Derek Luna: We have a certain edge that no one else can
acquire. It is as simple as that.

To find out more about Rockus Maximus or to vote in the online competition, visit the battle’s homepage online.

Join the audience and support your favorite band at the Rotary Pavilion at The Concourse, 15325 Alric Pottberg Rd (1/4 mile west of the Suncoast Parkway on SR-52), in Shady Hills. The concert event runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Land O' Lakes and New Port Richey Patch editors will be among the judges.

New Port Richey Patch and Land O’ Lakes Patch are both sponsors of the events along with Rasmussen College, Morrisound Recording and Encore Music.