Bands ready to battle
Thirteen bands from around the Far North will take the stage at Kerikeri’s Turner Centre on Friday next week for the 2019 Battle of the Bands.
The event, staged under the umbrella of Be Free Inc, follows Be Free’s annual talent quest, and has a well-earned reputation for showcasing, and encouraging, young home-grown talent.
“We’ve had an incredible response to the competition this year, and are excited to be welcoming bands from Kawakawa all the way up to Kaitaia,” Be Free chairwoman Claire Gordon said.
“The response was so great that we had to close entries with three weeks still to go.”
There was also strong community support, including from the Turner Centre, which as well as offering sponsorship was promoting the event on its main auditorium stage. The winning band would receive a promotional package put together by generous local supporters, including a recording session at the Music Place, a professional video by Creative Cavalry, a pro photo shoot by Flash Gordon Photography, and airtime on More FM.
Runners-up would win cash prizes from LJ Hooker Kerikeri and vouchers from the Whanga¯rei Rock Shop, while a panel of six judges from the music industry would be looking for tight performances, originality, and an engaging musical composition.
Bands could perform for up to eight minutes, playing originals, covers, or a mix, and the audience would decide the winners of the people’s choice awards.
Local funk-rock band Stranger Paradise, comprising youth who attend the Be Free Mentoring through Music sessions, would be the support band, while last year’s winners, Ventura, from Kerikeri, would be there to defend their title.
“We have some great bands, a wonderful stage, experienced judges, and are looking forward to an awesome night. Now all we need is an audience,” Be Free secretary Jo Danilo said.
“Come along, bring your friends, cast your vote and make some noise for these talented young kids. Who knows, you could be watching world-famous musical stars of the future.”
Admission would be koha donation for adults, free for students and seniors.
“Our main aim is to provide our bands with an appreciative audience and show people just how good our young musicians in the Far North are,” Ms Gordon said.
“We have been running our free Mentoring through Music sessions for many years, and are constantly impressed by the quality of music our youth create. We want to share it with everyone.
“If you enjoy the evening and would like to support our youth, we will be collecting additional donations on the night to go towards the costs of running our youth programme.”
The music will start at 7pm. For more information about Battle of the Bands go to www.befreeplaymusic.wordpress