Fresh, dynamic talent at Battle of the Bands
THE second Schools Battle of the Bands was held at De Waal Park on Sunday.
The event was organised by the German International School Cape Town (DSK) Arts and Culture Portfolio, with permission from the City of Cape Town.
Eight rock bands competed for sponsored prizes. Three well acclaimed figures from the music industry, Peter Pearlson (award-winning sound engineer), Paige Mac (singer and musician), and Jane Mayne (current editor of Weekend Special) had the difficult job of judging.
The performances were fresh, moving and dynamic, some established and others showing a lot of promise. The audience enjoyed the diversity and range of the performers and the wholesome feel of a free community concert in the park.
Senior lecturers and sound engineers Keith Farquharson and Peter Pearlson of The Academy of Sound Engineering Cape Town ran the front of house for the concert and offered a recording session as first prize.
Last year’s winners, Redhanded, performed the opening set. Since their win they have performed several gigs at the Brass Bell and released several songs on Sound Cloud.
The Jazz Yard Academy’s senior musicians performed the closing set. The Academy is a non-profit company that aims to musically foster talented youth. They are looking for volunteer music teachers to teach on weekends and donations of second-hand music instruments. Instruments can be left at the DSK in Tamboerskloof. website http://www.dsk.co.za
The Battle of the Bands organisers from the DSK Arts and Culture Portfolio realised that some Cape Town schools do not have music departments. Through this event they hope to bring awareness by inspiring the youth and supporting a music culture.
The idea behind this event was to create a free concert for young bands to get a chance to perform. Events create goals for the musicians to work towards. Bands require teamwork and co-operation and it is a learning experience for them.
Michael Bosazza, chairperson of the Friends of De Waal Park, said: “We hope to continue holding this as an annual event and hope to encourage other schools to create similar events in Cape Town. It is the perfect match. We want to promote a healthy, safe and caring community. The park is in the middle of it, and the Battle of the Bands is a community driven initiative. The emphasis is on bringing people together for their mutual enjoyment.”