HYSB promise: Six bands, exciting battle

FALLS VILLAGE — The lineup for the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s (HYSB) ninth annual Battle of the Bands has been finalized. Six groups will compete for prize money and a one-of-a-kind trophy designed by Israel “Izzy” Fitch of Battle Hill Forge in Millerton.The following bands will take to the Housatonic Valley Regional High School stage on Saturday, April 27. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Participants range in age from 15 to 19.• At Least We Showed Up, Right? — Jordan Long, vocals and backing guitar; Connor McLaren, lead guitar; Billy Hosier, drums; Ryan Brown, bass• Impulse — Cam Krane, guitar; Peter Moon, vocals; Brian Ryu, bass; Peter Hart, guitar and vocals; Pablo Balsinde, drums; Austin Kim, keyboard• The Project — Eva Araya, vocals; Maisie Bull, vocals and piano; Declan Whitmyer, guitar; Cameron Krane, bass; Jj McNulty, drums• Red Dry Ice — Brandon Williamson, vocals; Nick Winsser, vocals• The Russians — Henry Yuliano, guitar, piano and vocals; Patrick Purdy, bass; Sam Weisman, drums• True Jenson — Ana Horowitz, vocals; Patricia McGuire, piano; Ethan Prindle, drums; Eamon Murphy-Saunders, guitarTrue Jenson won both the judge’s first prize and the People’s Choice award at last year’s Battle of the Bands. According to their application, the band’s lineup has changed slightly due to previous members going to college.Lava and Kellogg Rocks, two groups comprised of students from the Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village, will open the show with special performances.“The Battle of the Bands is a way to highlight the musical talents of young people in our community,” said HYSB Executive Director Nicholas Pohl. “As an organization, we look at different ways we can build assets in the community. This event is another way in which we fulfill that. It tends to be a really empowering experience for the kids that take advantage of it. Many of the past bands have actually gone on to pursue careers in music.”The top band will receive $500, followed by $200 for second place and $100 for third. While money is certainly a nice prize, Pohl is excited to see the unique People’s Choice trophy, which is new to this year’s competition.“I know Israel in the community. He has younger kids himself, and he’s been involved in HYSB in different capacities. Pat Surdam, this year’s emcee, recommended we contact him for a trophy. We brainstormed with the judges, talked to Israel about it and gave him full creative freedom,” Pohl said.The trophy hasn’t been completed yet, and Pohl hasn’t seen any designs for it.“It’s going to be very unique. I assume it’s going to be heavy,” he said.The event will feature a panel of four area judges: Kristen Panzer, a drummer for local band Kyles and parent of four from Millerton; Brook Martinez, a professional drummer who lives in Falls Village; Mike Piraneo, a music teacher at Lee H. Kellogg School; and Mimi (Ramos) Harney, a musician and real estate agent with Elyse Harney Real Estate.HYSB will hold a raffle at the event. Tickets cost $1 each, and the drawing will take place immediately following the performances.“The event appeals to the whole family. There’s a wide variety of genres,” Pohl said. “A lot of these younger bands take it seriously, and it’s inspiring. It takes a lot of courage to try to carve out a career. It’s not an easy path. I think it’s admirable.”Pohl confirmed that registration is closed for Battle of the Bands. No additional groups will be added to the lineup.The cost of admission is $8. Proceeds go directly to supporting HYSB’s programs.For more information, go to www.hysb.org or call 860-824-4720.