Local Garage Bands Do Annual Battle In Riverfront Park

Lance Roberg wanted to make sure his band, Silva, made an impression with the judges.

Silva was the first of 12 garage bands competing at Saturday’s Battle of the Bands in Riverfront Park. Roberg worried the band’s music might be forgotten during the four-hour competition.

So, the 1996 North Central High School graduate painted his face and arms silver and sprinkled himself with glitter.

“I just thought that we had to blow everyone away,” Roberg said.

Roberg did not have to worry. The put-on by Silva, which also included singer Josh Talley, lead guitarist Tim Taylor, drummer Matt Brown and bass guitarist Jason McCullom, was an early crowd favorite.

Each band had 15 minutes to show its stuff. For Silva, that meant time to play four songs, including “Raw Meat,” which drew a rousing ovation from a crowd estimated at about 200.

Loud ovations didn’t go unnoticed by the nine judges, who looked for originality, rhythm, technique and crowd appeal when rating the bands.

“Each group has little things about them that make them shine,” said judge Bill Raddatz of Motion Media Production. “It’s just figuring out which has the most potential.”

A screening committee listened to 29 audition tapes submitted by high school students from around the region before narrowing the field for Saturday’s competition.

Most of the Greater Spokane League high schools were represented. The Outlets traveled from Missoula to compete.

It was Band House’s first appearance. The four Ferris High School students practice in a small building they built behind vocalist Ian MacKenzie’s house.

Accommodations in the 16-by-16-foot structure include carpeting, insulation, drywall, electricity and telephone service.

“We’re trying to get cable,” joked lead guitarist Brandon Richards.

Most of the supplies were donated by friends, but band members Richards, MacKenzie, Zach Lingo and Eric Sterner each contributed some money.

The two or three practice sessions the group holds in the house each week have helped the band come together, members said. The house also has been a relief to their parents, who don’t complain as often about the noise.

“Every now and then we get a phone call from my parents asking us to turn it down,” MacKenzie said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo