Side Street Studio Arts kicks off fifth annual Battle of the Bands June 2
Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin, is proud to announce the 2018 Battle of the Bands.
The annual summerlong event is a celebration of local and regional musicians and artists.
With 16 bands filling out the bracket, Battle of the Bands 2018 kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2.
It will culminate with the "Final Battle" between two bands on Saturday, Aug. 11.
The winner will receive more than $2,000 in prizes as well as additional performance opportunities from Side Street Studio Arts throughout the year, and a top performance slot at the 2018 Elgin Fringe Festival.
All events are open to all ages. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.
In the first round of the competition, each band will have a 25-minute set. Audience members in attendance will have the opportunity to vote for the one band they prefer, as well as win prizes from Side Street Studio Arts and the individual bands.
The two highest vote-getters of each battle will be announced at the end of each event and will move on to the next round of the competition.
The Battle of the Bands competition allows artists a freedom of expression and is designed to build support for the local music and art scene. Bands from all over the area share space, creativity, and audiences during this summerlong, un-juried competition.
"This year, we have created a committee of artists and musicians to better serve the competition, allowing artists the freedom of expression in an inclusive and supportive environment, designed to enhance the local music and art scene," said Tanner Melvin, founder and executive director. "Our goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for artists and families, as well as an open platform for the meshing of art and music. We have so many amazing musicians and artists in the area, and what this event does is help to create new relationships as well as foster the vibrant arts scene in our community."
The "Round 1 Battles" will be:
• Saturday, June 2: Still In High School, One Ping Only, Middle-Aged Overdose, and Quiet Cove.
• Saturday, June 9: New Nights, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Water Dog.
• Saturday, June 16: Even State, Gabe Hirst, Mr. Butterfield, and Long Birds.
• Saturday, June 23: Binx, Sunday Cruise, Girl K, and Darkle.
The "Quarterfinal Battles" will be July 7 and 14, followed by the "Semifinal Battles" on Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28.
The "Final Battle" will be Saturday, Aug. 11.
The event is sponsored by a variety of area businesses and organizations, including Fat Cat Custom Guitars and Repair, Rediscover Records, Danny's on Douglas, The Squire, Lubeck Studios, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Intz-A-Palooza, Bravo Magazine, and the Elgin Fringe Festival.
Side Street Studio Arts was founded in 2013 by Melvin and Erin Rehberg as an outlet for the artists of Elgin. Currently under the direction of Amanda Harris, Roberto Martinez, Melvin, and Rehberg, its mission is to provide an accessible space, run by artists, encouraging all aspects of the artistic process from creation to curation.
For more information on Battle of the Bands or any of its programs, visit www.SideStreetStudioArts.org, call (847) 429-2276 or email SideStreetStudioArts@gmail.com.