Glen Ellyn, Wheaton teens battle for rock glory

World-renowned musicians, no matter the genre, tend to have one thing in common: they started playing music at an early age.

The Wheaton and Glen Ellyn park districts will help find tomorrow's hitmakers with URock: Battle of the Bands from 6 to 9 a.m. Friday, June 24, in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton.

Four bands practicing "all different genres, from hard rock to indie pop," will perform in the band shell at Memorial Park, said Cristin Handlon, Wheaton Park District cultural arts and teen supervisor. But that's not the winner's last stop.

"The Wheaton Park District is involved by offering a local competition in cooperation with the Glen Ellyn Park District," Handlon said. "We send our winner to a regional competition, which is run by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association."

Each year about 120 teen bands participate in local competitions organized by members of the IPRA Teen Committee, concluding in a statewide event. Winning bands have won studio time, makeovers, opportunities to play at other events, and other prizes.

Last year's statewide winner, Clear Confusion, started with URock.

"They applied for our battle and, after competing against four other bands, they won," Handlon said. "Clear Confusion then went on to the regional competition, and won again, moving them on to the state level."

Made up of local teens Max King, Griffin Tome, Fredo Fosco and Colin Riordan, Clear Confusion opened for Drake Bell of the sitcom "Drake and Josh" in 2015 and still plays today.

"My favorite part of the event is just watching the bands play and seeing all of the talent these teens possess," Handlon said. "We have all ages of musicians ranging from 11 to 18 with all different skill levels and instrument talents."

URock: Battle of the Bands is a free, family-friendly event. Profanity on the part of any band is not tolerated. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.

To learn more, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/events. To connect with last year's winning band, Clear Confusion, visit facebook.com/clearconfusionband.

For questions, contact Handlon at (630) 510-5132 or chandlon@wheatonparks.org.

If you go

What: URock: Battle of the Bands, featuring teen bands from Wheaton and Glen Ellyn

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 24

Where: Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton

Cost: Free

Info: wheatonparkdistrict.com/events