For the second year running I was a judge at Warren East High School’s Battle of the Bands. This annual event is a fundraiser for the school’s music program. You might also be surprised that it’s a reasonably good evening of entertainment. As someone who loves the local music scene, it serves as my window into the future. It’s a great opportunity to see bands you haven’t heard of and who are very young (well, high school students in fact) and up-and-coming. Last year’s winners, Buffalo Rodeo, have already gotten out and played at some of the local venues. They struck me as a band you will hear at places like Tidball’s when they come of age. I thought back then they were ready, musically, to get out there.

This year’s bands may have a little more work to do, but they’re even younger. But the other judges and I saw some potential up on the stage as well as some great spirit and originality. All the bands are encouraged to do at least one original song and got to perform three songs in all. The winner, in addition to receiving a $200 prize (yes, this is a serious competition), gets to come out and do an encore.

Briar Springs opened the competition. This band includes Jarad Bagshaw on lead guitar and vocals, Brandon Graham on rhythm guitar, Austin Meredith on bass and Brody Bagshaw on drums. I was most impressed with their originality. They had an edge, but not with hard rock. Their music created a folksy, but modern, edgy mood, and Bagshaw’s vocals had some soul. I learned that at least one of the members in Briar Springs has played at WhaBah’s Monday night Teen Jam, and that might be why I thought Briar Springs was the closest to being ready to perform in clubs. However, a little more work is needed before they take that next step from garage to club.

Harkened was up next. Also pretty original, I kind of got what they were going for, but they’re not really there yet. I saw the most potential in guitarist/vocalist Chris Lindsey, who was getting his stuff right. The other members struggled a bit; Nick Tate on guitar, Alex Young on keyboards and Colton Turner on lead vocals. I was impressed that they did what they did without a rhythm section, because they were definitely going for an interesting sound. So even though a bit of improvement is needed, I encourage them to continue because there may indeed be something there.

Last up was That One Band. Katelyn Woodmansee on vocals and Kristin Spurlock on bass and vocals had a good harmony thing going. Tyler Lonas was on drums, and Jordan Centers and Spencer Anderson were on guitars. They did an original song that had me thinking “rock and roll anthem.” It was catchy and spirited. The anthem feel was augmented when they did Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll,” missed chord changes and all. So they too need a little work and definitely need to work on their stage presence a bit (just not moving around enough for the style of music they play). But if they focus on the girls’ vocals and strengthen the musical support around them they could definitely be ready for club gigs in a year or so.

A fourth band, Mahtulu, was scheduled to play but two members canceled out at the last minute.

So who was the big winner? It was a tough decision for the judges, but in a split decision, first place went to That One Band. For me, the fun aspect of That One Band won over the maturity of Briar Springs. But I saw some potential in all three bands and hope they keep at it. Of course, the other winners were the people in the audience who saw what rock and roll is all about – a bunch of kids getting together and cranking something out. Everyone starts somewhere. And it’s all for a great cause – the WEHS music program. Adam Vincent organizes these events each year and does a great job. I encourage everyone to come next year and support the music program and the young artists. You just might see the next Sleeper Agent. You never know.

Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html and visit him on www.myspace.com/pennman_bg and www.facebook.com/pennman