Teen Bands Wanted to Rock Pasco

While the official kickoff of Rockus Maximus XV is still a few months away, it’s never too early for bands to start honing their skills, Pasco County library officials say.

The annual musical battle technically gets started Dec. 16 with an opening concert at the Land O’ Lakes Library. That’s also the date the library system will start accepting applications for the eight bands that will ultimately appear in the musical showdown.

Right now, the library system is seeking out bands to appear in that Dec. 16 concert. It’s also looking for sponsors for the big battle, which takes place in March, said Paul Stonebridge, teen services manager for Pasco County Libraries.

While the actual battle calls for bands that have a majority of members age 21 and under, musicians of all ages are invited to take part in the kickoff performance, Stonebridge said.

“It’s a great concert,” he said.

A total of four bands are needed for that event.

Sponsorships are Available

As the details for this year’s event fall into place, Stonebridge said sponsors are needed to help fund the show. Although library staff members facilitate the battle, no taxpayer dollars go into funding the contest, he said.

Sponsorship levels start at $250 and climb up to a $3,000 main sponsorship. For assistance with the battle, sponsors get their names mentioned on T-shirts, at the event and throughout the battle season, which runs from December through March. The main sponsor’s name also goes into the name of the competition.

A Sneak Peek at the Battle

What does it take to enter a band into the contest?

According to Stonebridge, the rules are pretty simple. A total of eight bands will be accepted in this year’s competition. Members can come from anywhere in Florida. The only real caveat is that a majority of members must be 21 or under. Musicians that enter will also be asked to take part in a number of promotional events leading up to the main concert in March.

Winners of this year’s battle will receive recording time at Morrisound Studios in Tampa. A $1,000 cash prize is also on the line this year, Stonebridge said.

An online contest also takes place involving participants in Rockus Maximus. More details about that part of the contest will be available soon.

For more information about sponsorship or participating in the Dec. 16 contest, contact Stonebridge at the at 813-929-1214. Information is also available at rockusmaximus15.com.