One of the region’s most popular music competitions, this year’s event will feature two winners: a “judge’s choice” and “audience favorite.” Interested bands have until May 2 to submit online entry forms and YouTube video auditions of original music at www.spac.org; 10 finalists will be chosen to compete at the May 24 event at the Spa Little Theatre.
“The Capital Region is fortunate to have an abundance of innovative, talented musicians and bands which we are proud to showcase each year at SPAC’s Battle of the Bands competition,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director. “Like last year, we anticipate that thousands will participate in this event in some way, either as contestants, online voters, or audience members. It will be a great, high-energy kick-off to our season.”
New this year, two winners will be selected at the live competition; one by the judges and the other by the audience. The judges’ selection will win 25 hours of studio recording time at The Recording Company, airplay on northeast radio station WEQX and custom t-shirts and merchandise from Saratoga Statement. The audience favorite will have the opportunity to perform live at a SPAC event.
The format of SPAC’s Battle of the Bands is unique in that it allows the public to participate in the audition process. From May 3–8, the public will have the opportunity to view audition videos and vote for their favorite band. The band receiving the most public votes receives one of the 10 finalist spots; the remaining nine finalists are chosen by a selection committee.
The top finishers of last year’s Battle of the Bands were 10-piece party band CRUSH, which took first place, followed by rock/alternative group VONTUS and the eclectic four-piece band, The Dependents.
“For the artists, Battle of the Bands represents an opportunity to stand on the same stage where music legends have performed. We are looking forward to seeing who will fill those shoes,” White concluded.
The Schedule
MAY 2: SUBMISSION DEADLINE Bands wishing to participate must submit online applications and YouTube video auditions to www.spac.org by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 2. Only videos with original music will be accepted.
MAY 3–8: ONLINE VOTING The public will have the opportunity to view the audition videos at www.spac.org and vote for their favorite band. The other nine finalists will be chosen by a SPAC selection committee.
MAY 10: FINALISTS ANNOUNCED Ten finalist bands will be announced on May 10 on SPAC’s Facebook page and at spac.org.
MAY 24: LIVE COMPETITION at SPA LITTLE THEATRE Finalists will have 10 minutes to perform for a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges at the Spa Little Theatre. The event is run “American Idol”-style with three celebrity judges reviewing the performance of each band following their time slot. Bands will be evaluated and the two winners will be chosen, one based on the judges’ selection, and the other based on audience response.
More information on Battle of the Bands is available on SPAC’s website at www.spac.org.
