Marklund wants bands for Music Fest fundraiser

Marklund is seeking six bands to participate in its second annual "Battle of the Bands" Music Fest, which will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 10 at Marklund's Mill Creek Campus, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva.

Marklund is a nonprofit network of services providing a full-life experience for infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Music Fest is a free outdoor festival celebrating local talent and offering family entertainment. The event is held for Marklund's residents, employees, families and friends, as well for the public. Audience members should bring their own lawn chairs, and snacks and beverages will be available.

"Last year's Battle of the Bands was an extraordinary event," said Vicki Krystof, communications manager for Marklund. "It was just a lot of fun for everyone. It made me realize the amount of talent that's around our area."

Bands of any type of music are invited to participate. There is a registration fee of $20, and each band is required to submit a bio, demo and high resolution photos to be used for publicity. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. June 18.

This year, there will be two divisions, and the winner of each will receive a grand prize:

• Age 18 and under - There will be three bands in this division, each with 15 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to play.

• Over 18 years old - There will be three bands competing, with 15 minutes to set up and 45 minutes to play.

There are three judges. All participating bands are encouraged to sell CDs and merchandise at the fest.

For registration information, call Crystal Michels at (630) 593-5427. To participate in event sponsorship, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482.

Marklund is also seeking music-loving volunteers to help run Music Fest. To volunteer, call Cathy Nikrandt at (630) 593-5468.

Marklund provides care for people with disabilities. Marklund's services encompass medical care, home-like residential facilities, rehabilitative therapies, quality educational and day services and exceptional community-based programs.

Marklund's main campus in Geneva consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities, as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children's Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 to 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers ages 3 and younger; and Marklund's respite program.

For details about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or visit www.marklund.org.