BRATTLEBORO — Area youth bands will attempt to launch their musical careers by competing at Youth Services' Battle of the Bands at the River Garden on Friday, Nov. 2, during Gallery Walk night, from 7 to 10 p.m. This event is part of Youth Services' 40th Anniversary celebration.
The public is encouraged to attend and vote for their favorite group with their applause.
In addition to the audience and youth judges, several individuals from both the recording and music industry will help choose the top band.
First prize is up to 10 hours of professional recording time donated by Guilford Sound, valued at $1,500. Second prize is a performance at a local musical venue, yet to be determined.
Guilford Sound is a one-studio, luxury recording facility in Guilford run by sound engineer Dave Snyder, who has recorded the music of U2, Jess Malin, Ghost Robot Ninja Bear, Northern State, Charlie Hunter, and The Mavericks. The studio contains a spacious 500-square foot control room featuring state-of-the-art sound equipment in an energy efficient building.
According to Julie Davenson, Executive Director of Youth Services, the Battle of the Bands celebrates the entrepreneurial nature of young musicians forming bands and expressing their musical inspiration in a business endeavor.
“We encourage all adults to make a pledge to be open to youth, to acknowledge them on our sidewalks and in our neighborhoods, to speak to them of their worth and to remind them of their promise,” said Davenson.
“What better way to celebrate youth than to remember that they are our future and that our role is to protect them and support them as they move into adulthood and grow into their roles as our neighbors, parents of our children's friends, journalists, business men and women, educators end entrepreneurs,” Davenson said.
Admission is $4 and covers refreshments and door prizes. This event is underwritten by The Richards Group.
Interested bands ages 20 and under should call Josh Steele at Youth Services at 802-257-0361 or email info@youthservicesinc.org.