Teens to face off in Battle of the Bands in Algonquin

Instead of holding jam sessions in musty garages and basements, local teen bands will soon have a chance to play onstage just like the pros do, thanks to the upcoming Battle of the Bands in Algonquin.

The contest will be held Saturday, June 20, at the Algonquin Swimming Pool and Splash Pad, at 599 Longwood Drive. The village is a host site for the competition that's held in conjunction with the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.

Bands have until Monday, June 15, to register - there is room for six bands and three so far have signed up, said Sarah Stefan, Algonquin's recreation superintendent.

"It's a really good opportunity for young musicians who don't always get to perform to come out and battle, using professional equipment and having a crowd," Stefan said.

Besides a live audience, bands will have access to a professional drum set and sound devices, amplifiers, voice monitors, three-speaker monitors and microphone stands.

Between three and five judges will grade the bands in five categories: stage presentation; stage management; sound quality; song originality and quality; and audience response.

Bands from every end of the music spectrum are welcome.

The winner gets $100 and a berth in the regional competition. If successful there, bands will try to take the title at the Illinois State Fair.

Algonquin has held the event on and off for the past seven years and it is the most popular teen event in the village, Stefan said.

Past participants include Fallout Boy and the Plain White T's. And you know where they've gone.

Registration costs $25. It also costs $5 to attend the show as an audience member. For details or to become a judge, visit algonquin.org or send an e-mail to recreation@algonquin.org.