Sweetland proves it rocks with Battle of the Bands

Sweetland Amphitheater will balance big stars with local favorites at the 2016 Battle of the Bands contest on Aug. 13.

The free event at Boyd Park is presented by LaGrange College, Pure Life Studios and the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority. It will include five emerging bands from the area.

The bands will be split into two categories, Teen and Adult, determined by the age of the performers in each band. Teen bands competing include local bands Ultraviolet and Gossamer. In the adult division, Josh Kimbrell and the Honey Buns will compete against Alcott and Ryan Slice.

This is not the first year that a Battle of the Bands has been hosted in LaGrange. It’s just the first time it’s been at Sweetland.

Last year’s Battle of the Bands champion was a local band named Sweetbay. This year, Sweetbay will announce the winners at Sweetland and then close the concert with a performance of their own.

Battle of the Bands is offering some prizes to this year’s winners. Josh & Sandy East of Neobolical Records are providing the adult category champions with a recording package for two songs and mixing. The winner also has the option to be signed to the label. Neobolical Records is providing recording and mixing for one song to the teen division winners.

In addition, the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority is providing a trophy and cash prize of $250 to the teen and adult category winners. The organization will also offer the winners the opportunity to open or close Battle of the Bands 2017.

Pure Life Studios is providing the winners with an opportunity to have their own concert at Pure Life later in the year.

Maggie McDonald, owner Pure Life Studios, is coordinating Battle of the Bands this year with Barbie Watts, director of Promotions & Marketing for the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority. McDonald was very optimistic about the event moving to Sweetland.

“The audience should expect a great competition with alternative rock, metal rock, to indie style music,” she said. “It is family friendly. All ages are welcome. Last year our turn out was about 700. We are hoping that number increases.”

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, but should know that there will also be concessions available at Sweetland for purchase.

This story was originally published August 6, 2016 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Sweetland proves it rocks with Battle of the Bands."