Courtesy of Landon Ungerman
Audio By Carbonatix
It’s that time of year again, when we celebrate local music with some healthy competition at BandWagon‘s Battle of the Bands.
The series, which has been happening annually since 2011, hosts shows in Denver, Greeley, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs with preliminary rounds that see top bands and performers from the respective areas battle it out for entry to the finals. This year’s prize includes a $5,000 check and a BandWagon cover story, which will be awarded at the Oriental Theater on January 23.
But first, the groups need to make it through the prelims. Denver’s happens first, at the Black Buzzard: Night one, on Friday, November 7, will see Hand Turkey, Spitting Image, Jewel House and Sexy Coyote taking the stage, while the second show will host Miniluv, Idle Freaks, Hollow Head and Bailey Elora on Friday, November 14. Colorado Springs rounds will happen at Lulu’s Downtown on November 8 (with Glowstate, Mayor Grey, Evan Bingham and Rude Mood, and Lambbed); Greeley’s will take place at the Moxi Theater on November 22 (with Naked Mannequins, Ballpark!, Crooked Rugs and Monica); and the Fort Collins prelims will be at Sound Bar on November 28 (with Back blunt, the Koozies, Ash Red horse & the Midnight Suns and Ducki).
Courtesy of Landon Ungerman
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BandWagon received nearly 200 applicants this year, according to Landon Ungerman, who does marketing for the magazine and talent buying for Black Buzzard. “We listen through at the Bandwagon office and then we choose our top four — or, in the case of Denver, top eight — for each city,” he says.
There are about ten judges at each show, he notes, who usually comprise a mix of musicians and industry insiders. Judges score bands off a rubric that includes stage presence and overall quality. “We’re trying to find bands that have put something together that’s unique, original and sounds good,” Ungerman says.
BandWagon was founded by Moxi Theater owner Ely Corliss, and Battle of the Bands has become a staple that ties it even closer to the community. “We’ve seen it be super-impactful and bring a lot of fans in to come see people that they’ve never seen live before,” Ungerman says. “It’s the fan-generation piece of it…and we get to break it down back to how simple local music used to feel. That’s what’s so fun to do every year. It’s definitely a lot to put together, but we’re waiting for Battle of the Bands each year.
“It turns into a big music community mixer night,” he concludes. “It’s a big reunion for everyone there, and very communal and positive vibes.”
Battle of the Bands, Black Buzzard, 1624 Market Street, 8 p.m. Friday, November 7, and Friday, November 14. Tickets and more information are available at bandwagmag.com.
