2008 Woodie Awards
Local bands battle it out
ASP's Battle of the Bands gives five musicians the chance to show their talent
Janisha Harris
Issue date: 4/1/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
The University Commons will be pulsing with screaming fans, wailing guitars and booming drums on Sat., Apr. 5.
Associated Students Productions' SSU Battle of the Bands is slated to showcase some of Sonoma State's most talented student musicians. Bands will perform 20 minute sets to compete for a $500 grand prize. However, money doesn't seem to be the driving force for these musicians.
Qualifications for the event have set the bar quite high, with demos of these bands' material submitted to the ASP office before Mar. 16 to be considered for eligibility. From here bands will have to procure their own instruments as well as be ready for quick set up and removal of their gear during the event.
The lack of sound checks means that bands will need to know the pitfalls of their live sound, and prepare for every possible outcome.
But perhaps one of the most wonderful aspects of the event is that there are no limitations set on genre, allowing for an incredibly diverse show.
As such, the line up promises to be incredibly varied from the thrash infused death metal of Sarcoma, to the feel-good power pop of The Hit System.
Other acts competing include Carlo Fuentes, Andrew Maurer, and prog rockers Cityscape Horizon.
In addition, last year's SSU Battle of the Bands winners Blaming Johnny will treat the bands and audience members alike to an introductory performance to kick off the evening.
And winning the event won't be easy. Performances will be judged in the four areas of musicianship, lyrics/composition, stage presence and audience response.
This ensures that the winners are well-rounded bands that can pull off the all-important live show as well as solid song writing ability.Plus, the added aspect of good crowd interaction might be the deciding factor for these determined bands.
Yet the event's best aspect is in giving these bands the chance to share their music with the SSU community. These are bands that are putting together solid pieces of music that unfortunately fall under the radar of mainstream exposure.
A grass roots event like this ensures them exposure, and promises the audience enthusiastic performances.
In an era where MySpace.com and Purevolume.com dictate musical tastes, events like this remind us of why live concerts are so important to experiencing music.
The SSU Battle of the Bands begins at 8 p.m. and admission to the event is free. For more information, contact Sara Kaufman at 664-2753 or by email at kaufmans@sonoma.edu.
Associated Students Productions' SSU Battle of the Bands is slated to showcase some of Sonoma State's most talented student musicians. Bands will perform 20 minute sets to compete for a $500 grand prize. However, money doesn't seem to be the driving force for these musicians.
Qualifications for the event have set the bar quite high, with demos of these bands' material submitted to the ASP office before Mar. 16 to be considered for eligibility. From here bands will have to procure their own instruments as well as be ready for quick set up and removal of their gear during the event.
The lack of sound checks means that bands will need to know the pitfalls of their live sound, and prepare for every possible outcome.
But perhaps one of the most wonderful aspects of the event is that there are no limitations set on genre, allowing for an incredibly diverse show.
As such, the line up promises to be incredibly varied from the thrash infused death metal of Sarcoma, to the feel-good power pop of The Hit System.
Other acts competing include Carlo Fuentes, Andrew Maurer, and prog rockers Cityscape Horizon.
In addition, last year's SSU Battle of the Bands winners Blaming Johnny will treat the bands and audience members alike to an introductory performance to kick off the evening.
And winning the event won't be easy. Performances will be judged in the four areas of musicianship, lyrics/composition, stage presence and audience response.
This ensures that the winners are well-rounded bands that can pull off the all-important live show as well as solid song writing ability.Plus, the added aspect of good crowd interaction might be the deciding factor for these determined bands.
Yet the event's best aspect is in giving these bands the chance to share their music with the SSU community. These are bands that are putting together solid pieces of music that unfortunately fall under the radar of mainstream exposure.
A grass roots event like this ensures them exposure, and promises the audience enthusiastic performances.
In an era where MySpace.com and Purevolume.com dictate musical tastes, events like this remind us of why live concerts are so important to experiencing music.
The SSU Battle of the Bands begins at 8 p.m. and admission to the event is free. For more information, contact Sara Kaufman at 664-2753 or by email at kaufmans@sonoma.edu.
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