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Bands battle for big prize

There are 72 bands across Alberta pumping their fists in the air as they gear up for Alberta's Last Band Standing, a full-throttle battle of the bands that ends with the winner scooping up a $50,000 prize package.

There are 72 bands across Alberta pumping their fists in the air as they gear up for Alberta's Last Band Standing, a full-throttle battle of the bands that ends with the winner scooping up a $50,000 prize package.

Sponsored by Budweiser, Corby's and Sleemans, this 10-week event is buzzing across the rock scene and kicks off at St. Albert's Brew-in Taphouse on Thursday, April 15.

“St. Albert has a great reputation in the music industry for giving birth to great musical bands like Social Code, Tupelo Honey, Stereos and Long Way Down. We hope that Alberta's Last Band Standing can show the industry that we're not only capable of putting out great bands, but hosting them too,” says marketing and promotions director Lyndon Golanowski.

Throughout its run, it will pack in four to six bands nightly with everything from rock, metal and ska to folk, blues and pop.

Some of the bands letting it rip are Flash Jam, Submerge the Sky, The Soulicitors (Sonic Radio Band of the Month) and St. Albert's own Wednesday Morning Blues and All Else Fails.

Organizers believe the event will create economic spinoffs for the business community. “With almost 50 per cent of the bands being from south of Red Deer and another 10 per cent from north of Morinville, it will bring a lot of tourism. We have pointed out local eateries and the best accommodations for our bands and fans.”

Golanowski adds that the idea came about when he was discussing the lethargy in today's indie music scene compared to 10 years ago. “We figured if we could get 72 bands from across Alberta … then maybe we could help spark a new, brighter and more energetic local music scene.”

For cash-strapped bands with few resources to market themselves, this battle represents a bonanza. The first place package includes $5,000 in cash, a $16,500 scholarship to Pixel Blue College, three days of recording time at Powersound Studios with Trevor Hurst of Econoline Crush and a four-week Canadian tour. They also take home the headline slot at the Boonstock kickoff party on Thursday, June 24.

“We're offering such a large prize to be different. You see a lot of competitions that give away maybe five per cent of the revenue generated by these events. We're trying to give every dime back into the Alberta music community and get the most deserving band a real start, not pocket change and a trophy.”

Meticulously planned, the battle hosts a series of rounds every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from April 15 until June 12 with 50 per cent of the bands playing each night facing elimination.

On a special night, Wednesday, June 16 organizers have introduced a wildcard night followed by semi-finals on June 17 and 18. Saturday, June 19 is the finals with four bands frantically competing for the grand prize.

Judges will rotate throughout the battle, however the highlight panel at the finale includes Trevor Hurst, Tupelo Honey's Tyler Dianocky and Boonstock founder Colin Kobza.

The Taphouse is located at 9020 McKenney Ave. Event times are from 8 p.m. to midnight. Cover is $7.

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