Battle of the Bands '10

ED2010 and SPJ joined forces and hosted an absolute raging Battle of the Bands last night at the Union. The show had the place absolutely filled and attracted an audience of Athens locals and OU students looking and finding a good time and good music from the local scene.

The set list included the band, Sufferin’ Moses Blues Band, Mind Fish, First Street Heat and Solis; having the musical style range from garage to mellow to funk, everyone’s taste was satisfied. Each band held their own when it came to entertaining the crowd, especially entrancing the pre-gamers, which was quite entertaining to watch.

While the winner was announced in the wee hours of the night, and I departed early, one band definitely stuck out — First Street Heat. The near dozen-man group was a true ensemble, all donning outfits from decades past, rapping, playing several different instruments (like saxophones) and showing off… dance moves. More impressive than their image and hip-hop funk music was their ability to captivate an audience so much that the Union briefly resembled a miniature disco.

The Battle was successful, and I hope that it can make an annual appearance.

--Jazmine Reed, Contributor