Union bands head to Polkton competition
By Tiffany Lane, The Enquirer-Journal
Apr 30, 2009

POLKTON -Country music addicts and Guitar Hero fanatics alike are invited to attend South Piedmont Community College's Battle of the Bands on Friday.

With more bands to apply than ever, the list of performers has been whittled down from about 40 to just over 20. That's nearly double the number of competitors from last year.

Performers represent a slew of genres, including gospel, bluegrass, punk, Christian, rock and country. Last year's winner Flatout Bluegrass, along with second- and third-place winners The Miracles and Rekless Youth, will all take the stage again in hopes of claiming the top spot.

"There are a lot of people who want to come and play," SPCC student activities director John Ratliff said in a press release. "They want their music to be heard around here." Competitors hail from Anson, Union, Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties, as well as parts of South Carolina.

"I think we'll have an outstanding turnout," Ratliff said. "Plus, in these tough economic times, it's nice to be able to take advantage of a free meal and entertainment."

A free dinner will be available to the first 1,000 patrons.

Last year, the event drew more than 800 people, but Ratliff said he expects that number to be higher this year. "We hope to build on our success each year," he said. "Because it's growing, we might have to change times and do it on a Saturday or a Sunday, or move it to a different location. It could be two or three different playing locations. The possibilities are endless with something that is catching on this fast."

Battle of the Bands is also a great recruiting tool for the college, he said.

Competition judges include Charlotte radio personalities Jack "Jack at Nite" Anthony, Smokin' Bluz host Rick Belew from WRFX 99.7 and Nathan "Nate" Richie, host of ENDsessions on 1065 The End.

The first-place band will receive $500; second place, $300; and third place, $200. The top individual performer will win $100.

In addition to a free dinner of hot dogs or barbecue chicken with side items and a drink, high school and college students can also grab a free Battle of the Bands T-shirt by providing a current student ID and food ticket.

The event will be held in the Helen Goodman Amphitheater on the L.L. Polk campus in Polkton. Carnival attractions will also be on site.

Admission is free.

For more information, contact Ratliff at 704-272-5375.

? Have a story idea? Tiffany Lane can be reached at 704-261-2229 or tlane@theej.com.

THE LINE-UP
6 p.m. Kamden Boys

6:10 p.m., City of Me

6:20 p.m., Mighty Macklin

6:30 p.m., Rekless Youth

6:40 p.m., Marlin Cummings

6:45 p.m., Matthew Gibson

6:50 p.m., Kross Fire

7 p.m., Lyra Shines

7:10 p.m., Matt Arrowood

7:15 p.m., Chad Thomas Powell

7:20 p.m., Fire for Effect

7:30 p.m., Grupo Potriyo

7:40 p.m., Flat Out Bluegrass

7:50 p.m., Shine River

8:00 p.m., Joy Smith

8:10 p.m., Cabin Creek

8:20 p.m., Through Porchlight

8:30 p.m., Nine-Under

8:40 p.m., Delta Progression

8:50 p.m., The Miracles

9 p.m., Overcome

9:10 p.m., Ten More Years

9:20 p.m., Days Once Lost



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