Bands to battle in Ridgeway
Ashley Guay
Published on
May 16, 2008
Avid music lovers have something to look forward to this long weekend.
The second annual Artificial Promotions Battle of the Bands is being held Sunday at the Crystal Ridge Community Centre on Ridge Road.
Between the hours of 1 p.m. and 9 p.m, 10 Niagara-area bands will compete. Last year's winner, Under Artificial Skies, won over $1,400 worth of cash and prizes.
"The prizes all come from the money raised for the show and sponsorships. One of the prizes is 15 hours of recording time worth about $800," says Lloyd McGuigan, creator of Artificial Promotions.
Another prize is donated from Central Music in Welland and is a four-track recorder.
Of the 10 bands, four are from Niagara Falls, two are from St. Catharines, two are from Port Colborne, one is from Stevensville and one is from Six Nations. During the judging process, Fort Erie's own Artificial Reality will be performing.
"This is a competition and an opportunity for the community of Fort Erie and the Region of Niagara to come and hear the many talented musicians we have in our own backyard in a great venue," McGuigan said in a press release.
Also competing is RSM, from Niagara Falls, perhaps one of the youngest bands participating in the battle. All members are students at Saint Paul high school. But Shawn Simon, Eric Lanthier, Rob Rosetto and Allesandra Szczepaniak aren't intimidated by the age factor.
"I think we have a good shot," says lead guitarist Shawn Simon. "It doesn't bother us that all the other bands are older. We've played a lot of shows and are definitely ready for this."
Tickets for the event can be purchased through any of the bands competing. The website www.myspace.com/youartificialpromotions has a band line up as well as links to most of the band's sites.
Artificial Promotions is also looking for volunteers for the event. Interested persons are encouraged to contact Lloyd McGuigan at 905 351 9758.