Thursday, 16 May 2013 15:08

Finalists Selected for SPAC’s Annual Battle of the Bands Competition

By Staff Report | Entertainment

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A dynamic group of 10 bands whose music spans alternative, pop, hard rock and classic rock have been selected from approximately 50 contenders as the finalists for SPAC’s annual Battle of the Bands presented by WEQX and The Recording Company.

The finalists will perform at the Spa Little Theatre on May 24 at 7 p.m. before an audience and a panel of celebrity judges for the chance to win one of two titles and accompanying prize packages: "judge’s choice" and "audience choice." Tickets are on sale now at www.spac.org.

"We are thrilled to bring this wildly popular event back to SPAC as the kickoff to the 2013 performance season," said Marcia J. White, president and executive director. "The finalists represent a diverse range of talents, from fresh up-and-comers, to top regional bands that record and perform regularly. It will be an exciting start to SPAC’s performance season."

New this year, two winners will be announced; a selection made by the celebrity judges and the audience favorite. The judges’ selection will win the opportunity to play on one of Webster Hall’s stages, 25 hours of studio time at The Recording Company, airplay on northeast radio station WEQX, and custom t-shirts and stickers by Saratoga Statement; the audience favorite will have the opportunity to perform at SPAC before an event. This year’s judges are: Richard Pawelczyk of NYC’s Webster Hall, Donna Eichmeyer of Live Nation, and Greg Haymes, Nippertown.com editor and musician.

Other features of the event include:

  • Wood-fired pizza, and gourmet sliders available via onsite concession by Mazzone Hospitality;
  • Outside beer garden for patrons over 21; and
  • Battle of the Bands official "After Party" at Putnam Den.

Videos of finalist bands, tickets and information are available at SPAC’s website at www.spac.org.

  • Jes Hudak: Runner-up on Bravo’s television show “Platinum Hit”, a songwriting competition that featured former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Hudak was also named one of Music Connection Magazine’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artists. Jes Hudak: Runner-up on Bravo’s television show “Platinum Hit”, a songwriting competition that featured former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Hudak was also named one of Music Connection Magazine’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artists.
  • This Renaissance: Combining inspiration from bands like Story of the Year, Sleeping With Sirens, Mayday Parade and Go Radio, This Renaissance combines power driven rock with catchy melodies, pop sensibilities and hints of the unexpected.
  • The Racer: Self-proclaimed as an incarnation of the modern independent band—the group mixes its creativity and pop sensibility equally with determination and kinetic energy.
  • Rites of Ash: The electronic pop/hard rock outfit combines countless influences including Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park, RedOne and Lady Gaga, resulting in a unique sound. The group has begun working with Grammy-winning producer Jeff Bova on a new album, set for release in 2013. 
  • A Little More Us: The upstate New York pop, rock and roll group is fresh off their debut release of “American Loser.”
  • Call Security: Voted in by public demand, the young alternative rock group is based out of Hobart and William Smith colleges.
  • Ghosts on 33rd: Combining emotion with a heavy melody, the band strives to connect to their fans through their lyrics. Currently the band is working on their first E.P.
  • The Margo Macero Project: Returning to SPAC’s Battle of the Bands, Margo Macero recorded her first E.P. “It Is What It Is,” and now leads her musical career fusing rock, blues and soul.
  • VONTUS: The alternative rock trio attributes their sound to influences such as Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Neon Trees.
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