Mark Black grew up surrounded by music. His father, Charles, was a band instructor for 32 years and is a drummer. His mother, Mary Alice, plays piano and organ. So naming the Southern Kentucky Fairs Battle of the Bands in his memory is fitting. His mother and I really appreciate it, Charles Black said. The Mark Black Memorial Battle of the Bands will be today and Friday beginning at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds and features local bands battling for cash prizes and studio recording time. Mark Black, 34, died in February 2001 from meningitis. He had just been elected to Bowling Green City Commission, but was hospitalized before he could attend a meeting. He was sworn in at the hospital. After graduating from Butler County High School, Mark Black majored in percussion at Western Kentucky University. He left the drums behind when he went to work for Sumitomo Electric. He never, however, lost his love for music, Charles Black said. Mark Black started the Battle of the Bands six or seven years ago as a member of the Bowling Green-Warren County Jaycees, which organizes the SOKY Fair. He just thought it would be a good project for the fair group and it has turned out to be pretty successful, Charles Black said. He was always at the fair and volunteering. Charles Black said he likely will attend one of the battles, even though it may not have been Marks favoritekind of music. He was kind of like me. He liked jazz and (marching) band music those were probably his two favorites, he said. While marching band music wont be on the agenda, the Battle of the Bands will feature various other types including rap, country, heavy metal and alternative from 14 bands from southcentral Kentucky, Owensboro and Nashville, said Olivia VanMeter, chairwoman of the event and Southern Kentucky Fair Board secretary. We had such a high response last year that we expanded it to two nights, she said. We have 14 bands coming to perform. Thats more than last year. Each band will play a 10-minute set. At the end of the evening, the Bowling Green band Floord, which won second place at last years competition, will perform for an hour and finalists for the contest will be announced. Jhelom of Glasgow won last year. Were playing all original Floord songs Thursday night and we may throw in a surprise cover, said Floord bassist David Rich. Last years loss was bittersweet for Floord. We lost by half a point, Rich said. The prize was recording studio time. We were cutting a CD at the time. But the band hasnt let that stop success. The group has been performing in southcentral Kentucky, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Paducah. Floord will release its new album, Listen, at the end of July. On Friday night, the final elimination round will begin. Six bands will compete for 10 hours recording studio time, cash, a radio tour, trophies and plaques and other prizes. Bowling Green band Sixth Floor will perform for an hour following the event. VanMeter said she hopes that people will come out and enjoy the music for a good cause. Its part of fund-raising for the Bowling Green-Warren County Jaycees and part of the SOKY Fair, she said. The money goes back into the community. Cost for the Mark Black Memorial Battle of the Bands is $8. In case of rain, the concert will be in the Agricultural Barn. Sponsors are Kentucky Music, The Brewing Company and Liveandlocal.org.