 Bands battle for spot at Fair’s Battle of the Bands
By Carole Robinson, staff writer
crobinson@williamsonherald.com
What better place for young musicians to get their start at performing than on a stage where so many great musicians have been performed and others have gotten their start. A place not quite as sacred as the Grand Ole Opry, but as close as one can get in Williamson County – the small stage at Puckett’s Grocery in Franklin.
Seven local bands had their 15 minutes of fame when they each performed two songs on stage at Puckett’s recently in the Pre-Battle of the Bands contest. Five of the seven bands were chosen to perform on stage at the Williamson County Fair on Aug. 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the annual Battle of the Bands. The winner of that contest will receive a professional recording session at Dark Horse Studio valued at $10,000.
Both events are sponsored by Character Under Construction, a group of parents, school and business leaders who are promoting positive character traits in students.
Respect – responsibility – perseverance – caring – courage – citizenship – trustworthiness – cooperation and fairness; traits taught in most homes, are promoted in the schools through CUC.
The Program, “Is hard to quantify, but businesses tell me kids that exhibit what we promote are those they like to hire,” said Rick Wiseman, businessman and long time CUC board member.
The bands included middle and high school students, like Savanna Hill, who plays guitar with The Interns and drums with another band because she loves music and plans to become a professional musician.
”I just play music for the fun of it,” she said.
Although they are rising eighth graders, this will be the second time “Electric Needlefish” will perform on stage in the Battle of the Bands. Last year they came in second place.
The group credits the CUC program for some of their success.
“We get the whole concept,” they said, talking at once. “It teaches to be good to each other, learn to care and learn to come together.”
But most importantly – it provides wannabe musicians a taste of performing on stage in “great places like Puckett’s to get experience and show people we love to play music,” said Brian Affolter, lead singer for the group.
Other bands performing were “Don’t Tell Haley,” “Underwood Avenue,” “Flight Republic,” “The Steaming Onions” and “Red Zeplin.” Several bands were brave enough to take advantage of the stage and audience and include an original piece in their performance.
Those moving on to the fair include “Don’t Tell Haley,” “The Interns,” “Electric Needlefish,” “Flight Republic” and “Red Zeplin.”
Posted on: 7/1/2010
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