Last Friday, Oct. 25., bands from all over Cedar City competed at this year’s annual Battle of the Bands in the America First Event Center. With nine bands vying for the top spot, the competition was fierce.
In the end, indie rock band Black Cat Parade emerged victorious and was named Judge’s Favorite, taking home $500 in cash, a new electric guitar and merchandise from Cedar City businesses including Cedar Music, Widdlesticks and Plaid Skeleton.
“[Black Cat Parade] brought all original rock and indie music to play, so that gave them major points for creativity,” said student judge Piper Deamer.
When asked how she and the other judges came to a conclusion, Deamer said, “We thought to ourselves, ‘If I were to spend a free night to go see a concert, who would I spend my time to see?’ We all agreed we’d love to see them another time”.
Rock band Seizer won over the audience’s hearts and was voted Audience Favorite, with over 40% of the votes. With their energetic sound and impressive guitar riffs, Seizer had the audience engaged and moshing throughout their whole set.
“What made us want to perform at Battle of the Bands was the opportunity to bring hardcore [music] to Cedar City and make some new friends in front of our biggest audience yet,” said Dennis Stuprich, guitarist for Post Human Democracy. “Performing makes me feel like I’m fighting a bear in the forest and I’m winning. There’s nothing I can’t do when I’m on stage.”
The event saw its largest turnout in years as students, parents and community members came to enjoy local music. The lineup included a variety of music, ranging from folk band Mile Marker 9 to upbeat brass band The Brass Monkeys. Each band had the audience on their feet, with most attendees out of their seats and dancing in front of the stage.
Battle of the Bands is a significant undertaking by Thunder 91.1, Southern Utah University’s local radio station. Students from multiple Audio Production classes assisted in the planning and execution of the event.
“Putting on Battle of the Bands is a lot of work and time, and stress, but it’s an opportunity for students to learn in lots of different ways,” said Thunder 91.1 station manager Ryan Steineckert. “Our students learn event planning, promoting, marketing and all kinds of social media promotions. Plus, the bands are always, every year, like ‘thanks so much for doing this.’”
Those who missed the show can watch the entire event here. Follow Thunder 91 on Instagram for more information about upcoming events.
Author: Kaitlynne Cowart
Editor: Tessa Cheshire
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
Photos courtesy of Katelyn Bonnett
arts@suunews.net
