ThreeSixty -

By Alexandra Sifferlin

Musicians are gathering their best lyrics, assembling their instruments, and practicing their hit songs in preparation for a Battle of the Bands showdown put on by the MacPhail Center for Music.

As part of the week-long Grand Opening celebration for its new Minneapolis location and building, MacPhail is hosting a Battle of the Bands for rock musicians ages 12-18. Six finalists will perform on Sunday, Jan. 6. The two winning bands will open for the band White Light Riot in a showcase concert on Jan. 11 in MacPhail’s new Antonello Hall.

“MacPhail is a diverse center for all ages and all abilities and we cater to every single kind of person,” said Cassie Noll, Marketing Manager. “The Battle of the Bands is open to all ages to attend.”

Although the age range for applicants may seem young, listeners should not be fooled. “You would be surprised at what a 14-year-old or a 12-year-old can do. They can knock your socks off,” said events manager Matthew Prediger.

One reason MacPhail chose to host a Battle of the Bands as part of its grand opening celebration is to publicize the event’s involvement with rock music.

“People don’t typically think of rock when they think of MacPhail, but this is not the first time MacPhail has done something with rock,” Noll said. “MacPhail has summer rock camps for high school students and younger kids. We are just trying to bring it to the forefront.”

Many participants are from outside the MacPhail community. “It’s really exciting. We want it to be something the whole community can be a part of, not just MacPhail students,” said Prediger.

The application deadline was December 19 and from the applicants, six finalists will be selected to perform at the Battle of the Bands in front of judges. Two of the judges include Barb Abney from 89.3 The Current and Chris Osgood, the Artistic Director of MacPhail’s Battle of the Bands. Each band will play a 15-minute set.

The Battle of the Bands event is sponsored by Best Buy and winners can expect great prizes. “[The prize] looks very promising; it will be big,” said Prediger.

The Battle of the Bands will be held Sunday, Jan. 6, in the Rock/Jazz/Percussion Performance Lab in the new building at 501 2nd Street South (For more info go to macphail.org and Battle of the bands). The event will be from 2-6 p.m. It is open and free to everyone. “We want people to come see what we are about,” said Prediger.