High school rock bands sought for Naperville Park District 'battle'

Naperville high school students who play in rock bands may apply for a spot in the Naperville Park District Youth Ambassadors' 12th annual Battle of the Bands contest.

The "battle" runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the Community Concert Center in Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave.

Applications and a demo recording via a YouTube link or on a CD or flash drive must be received by 4 p.m. April 20 to be considered. The application form can be accessed online at www.napervilleparks.org/battleofthebands.

Bands can email their entries to Fred Gusel at fgusel@napervilleparks.org or mail them or drop them off at the Naperville Park District Administration Building in downtown Naperville. The mailing address is: Fred Gusel, Naperville Park District, 320 West Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540.

Applicants will be notified on or before April 24 about whether their band has been selected as a finalist.

The winner will perform at the Naperville Exchange Club's Ribfest celebration over the July 4 weekend and advance to the Illinois Park District Association's Regional Battle of the Bands with a chance to perform at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

The second- and third-place finishers will play in July at the Naperville Park District's Rollin' on the River concert series along the Riverwalk.

The Youth Ambassadors is a group of high school students who work with the Naperville Park District to plan communitywide special events for teens.

If you go

What: Battle of the Bands

Who: Sponsored by Naperville Park District's Youth Ambassadors

When: 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 15

Where: Community Concert Center in Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville

Info: www.napervilleparks.org