Hard cash, bragging rights and a live performance at The Banff Centre are all on the line with this year’s third annual Battle of the Bands at Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub.
Local talents Elk Run & Riot walked away as winners in 2012, with The Shrugs crowned victorious last year; now it’s time to see who has the chops and original compositions to take this year’s top prize.
The competition kicked off Wednesday (Nov. 5) and will run to Dec. 17, when the final round will be held to declare the winner.
“I’m all about original music, so all bands have to play original music and they play a 15 minute or half an hour set depending on how many bands are lined up for that day, with judges from previous winners of the contest,” said organizer and master of ceremonies Gary Gonis.
The semifinals and finals will be judged by David Cseke of The Banff Centre. Other judging duties throughout the competition will include members of Elk Run & Riot and The Shrugs. “We also have people judging that have been in the valley many years that are professional musicians,” Gonis said.
Molson Coors has sponsored the cash prize the last two years and will again this year by putting up the $1,000 for first place.
“The Banff Centre is kicking in a performance for the band who wins ... judging on the band and what type of music they play and how they can fit them into a certain venue at The Banff Centre is how they will choose when they’ll play. Last year, The Shrugs opened for Blue Rodeo,” Gonis said. “It’s excellent cooperation with The Banff Centre and local musicians.”
Gonis has been pushing local open mic nights for musicians in the Bow Valley for over a dozen years, with the main goal always being to create a win/win situation for local musicians and venues in the community.
“When I started, I think there was three open mic nights in the valley and there’s now nine and just through that, people can get together and jam and hang out and they can play and form bands,” Gonis said.
Gonis added that a number of bands performing throughout the competition regularly appear in the Bow Valley.
“If people have the opportunity to play, things happen ... venues and bars are now realizing there is great value in live performances and there are now more live gigs in the valley than there ever was,” said Gonis, adding the Battle of the Bands is an excellent opportunity for venue and bar owners to see and network with local talent.
