Battle of the Bands 2007

To celebrate the end of summer reading we had our annual Battle of the Bands. This year we had four bands. The competition got started late, but it was well worth the wait. And since this was my first time, I was anticipating the event with a lot of excitement. I just didn't know what was going to happen. How good would the music really be? I was soon to find out. Antioch Neighborhood Library closed at 6 p.m., but by 7 p.m. the library had been turned into a teen friendly oasis with parents banned, tons of pizza, and what everyone was there for—great music.

The competition began with Solmork. They performed an edgy hard rock with screeching lyrics. As I was taking pictures, the Kansas City Star photographer leaned over to me. He said he had seen a lot of band performances, but he thought this band was better than most. As the night started, I knew the music was going to be more than I expected.

Eponine came next with a more mellow rock. Unlike the previous band's guitars and drums, Eponine performed as a trio on keyboards, sax, and drums. Lead vocals were provided by the multi-talented drummer, who for one song brought out an accordion to the delight of the crowd. I've never seen a drummer get around so much. Eponine's music and sense of humor was great.

The two member group BJ came out next with hard percussion and screaming lyrics. They sounded angry with their fiercely intense percussion and keyboards. Although angry, the lyrics were filled with passion for the planet, alienation, and a cry against hypocrisy.

Lastly, but not to be outdone, was the hard rock of Fate is Tragic. Fate of Tragic bonded with the teen audience immediately. The crowd gathered around the group. The group feeding on all the attention didn't disappoint. They performed brilliantly. It was enough on a competitive night of music to win the crowd's vote and take home the honors of best band.

Watch for more photos of each bands performance sometime this next week!