The heatwave continues as the greater Indianapolis area experiences record-breaking temperatures sending many heading in the direction of any kind of shade (all the while, bringing up memories of when the Ugly Monkey turned into “The Inferno” for a night).
But perhaps nothing was hotter than the action going on under the pavilion at the Marion Count Fair.
For the third straight year, Snodgrass Entertainment Group (SEG Productions) brought its annual Battle of the Bands to the Marion County Fair. While some were enjoying all the sights and sounds of what the fair has to offer, three of the Indy Music Scene’s finest were battling it out to claim ultimate bragging rights and a spot on the July 30 finals.
The rules? They go a little like this:
Each band had 40 minutes to impress a panel of judges and whatever spectators were in attendance. Your winner is determined by fan votes (60%) and judge votes (40%) with points awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place votes (a-la Acoustic Live Challenge or Battle of Birdy’s). The one with the most points at the end of the evening lives to fight another day.
Now enough about rules and all that other stuff. Let’s get started, shall we? Before too long, Rob Snodgrass introduces our first band and we’re underway. Time to get this battle started.
Up first, we have Dell Zell, a band my fellow IndyConcerts.com writer Lisa Borm is a little familiar with. While I have no previous knowledge of them, discovering new acts (well, new to me at least) is always one of the best parts of this job. Now enough of my rambling. How did they fare?
With a kind of rock n’ roll/jam band feel brought up with their keyboards and the funk riffs, they kick off things with a bang. While they didn’t have an overwhelming stage presence (there are six of them and it’s not a huge stage), they more than make up for it with a strong, energetic sound and a loyal crowd there to help their band move on (hey, even one air drummed). As always, we’ll have to wait and see if all of that is enough to move on.
Meanwhile, life goes on at the fair. Some check out some of the exhibits while others try their hand at some of the games or rids the midway has to offer. The rest–like myself–immediately head over to one of the concession stands to indulge in a cherry sno-cone. Band #2 is setting up and this looks like it could get interesting.
Best of all? I’ve never heard of these guys either. Anything is a surprise, but let’s hope it’s a good one.
Sugar Moon Rabbit takes the stage next, and for some reason their name reminds of an off-shoot whiskey brand.
And after seeing what they could do, I will no longer make this mistake again.
I almost hate using this expression because it’s so cliche, but no joke, these guys just rock. With a big enough stage presence to divert all attention towards the main stage and enough energy to power the entire fair should the heat somehow knock it out, SRM show’s they have what it takes to compete. They even tossed a tambourine out to some of their more loyal fans while frontman Trevor Potts climbed down from the stage to perform on ground level. They’re impressive, and they look like a contender…
…but we’re not finished yet. We still have one more band to witness.
Finishing off the evening is Page 58, yet another rock act I’ve never even seen before (notice a trend here yet?). With the trio playing “Bad Romance” during their sound check, I’m a little curious as to what I’m about to hear. With covers of “Dani California” and “I Will Survive” to kick things off, I’m wondering if Rob booked a cover band for this. No sooner than I ask did they break out some of their originals. While maybe more mellow than the previous two acts, they seem to have a little bit of a grasp on what they want to do. After learning that this was essentially a band starting over, it’ll be interesting to see where they go from here. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last from these guys.
And just like that, the evening is over and fans are making their way to the table set up under the pavilion to turn in their ballots while the rest of us sit and wait for the results. It’s been a great–if somewhat hot–night for music (literally and metaphorically speaking). The bands exchange pleasantries while the rest sit and wait for the results. It’s not too long of a wait. Rob takes the stage again to announce the results:
1.) Sugar Moon Rabbit (610)
2.) Dell Zell (561)
3.) Page 58 (393)
With that, Night 1 is in the books. Sugar Moon Rabbit lives to fight another day.
But who will be joining them?
Well, that has yet to be decided, for tonight (Friday, July 22), three more bands will get their shot at the ultimate prize. Remember, YOUR vote helps decide the winner. It all comes your way from the Marion County Fair at 6:00 p.m. Bring your friends, tell your neighbors, and remember:
#SupportLocalMusic.
See you all tonight.