Battle of the Bands rocks URI Quad

10/16/08 - The Ticonderogas overpowered the competition at Wednesday night's Battle of the Bands competition with a percussion and horns ska assault.The event, presented by the University of Rhode Island's Student Senate and the Student Entertainment Committee, rocked the Quadrangle as one of Homecoming Week's events. By winning the competition, the Ticonderogas will headline the Rhody Rally Friday night, and will also play at halftime of a basketball game.

"I am thrilled with how the show is going," said Sarah Shields, the SEC administrative secretary, about two hours into the event. "As long as everyone out here is happy and enjoying themselves, then I consider it a successful show."

Each band had a 15-minute set to show their stuff to a crowd that swelled past 300. The event was free and open to everyone.

"I think it's actually really cool," said Paul Jalette, the guitarist for the opening band, Sold For Less. "They've got a good array of bands and it's been pretty sick."

The Ticonderogas took first place with a four-song set, which included an encore, a medley of covers and a full cover of "Come on Eileen."

Second place went to Boston-based band 3 South, and they will be playing the Tentville event at URI Saturday morning. The Ticonderogas will be playing at Lupos Nov. 8.

Four judges decided the winners - SEC member Emily Carlone, URI Vice President of Student Affairs Thomas Dougan, URI Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn and Student Senate representative Spencer Ginsberg.

The judges based their decisions on crowd reaction and performance. Shields and Student Senate President Tom Ahrens chose the performing bands after hearing demo CDs.

"We're psyched to see everyone come out and enjoy themselves on the Quad," Shields said. "It's been a real good change of pace to have a show out on the Quad rather than indoors."

The crowd had a mixed reaction to the show, with many only attending to support a friend's band.

"Honestly, it sucks," junior and film major Steve McAuslin said. "The biggest problem I have with it is that [all the instruments] are running through the P.A. system, so everything is at the lowest sound quality."

Many were happy to come out and support the bands and said they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"The bands have been pretty good," said junior Nathan Wilson. "[I'm] really excited for my friend's band to go on."

No arrests or incidents were reported, and most of the crowd stayed for the entire show.