The Battle of the Bands competition, which began in early February, creates an opportunity for student-led bands to perform in front of an audience on campus.
February, while not too cold in Minnesota this year, was made a little hotter by the annual Battle of the Bands competition at the Whole Music Club on campus.
Free performances by four different local bands occurred every Friday of February at the University of Minnesota’s competition at the on-campus venue. Nestled in the basement of Coffman Memorial Union on the school’s East Bank, it’s just a short walk or bus ride from most residence halls and on-campus housing.
Some performers included in the lineup this year are Corporate Death Party, My Buddy Eric, Pullstring, and Squirm which brought a mix of grunge, punk and alternative to the Whole.
“The Whole is a great chance for student artists to get on stage,” said Kirra Stopka, an event coordinator at the Whole. “We have the unique opportunity of having a venue that’s on campus and accessible.” As a staff member, Stopka will be participating in the staff vote at the end of the preliminary rounds which will contribute to the decision of the winning band.
For a few of these bands, this won’t be the first time they have taken the stage together. Prior to their performance at the Whole, Squirm played a triple-headlining show with My Buddy Eric and another local band, at the Marcy Place venue on February 3. Additionally, bands Squirm and Pullstring co-headlined at the Gnarly Bard Theater in St. Cloud, Minnesota on Feb. 23.
Winning the preliminary battles were Emily and the Space Butterflies, My Buddy Eric, The Gentlebrass and Honey Trees. The judge’s choice winter was Call Me Fritz. They will all advance to a final battle taking place at the university’s Spring Jam concert on April 20, playing alongside other artists yet to be announced.
While last year’s Spring Jam performers played through freezing temperatures, this year is looking to be a great opportunity to catch some hot, new music on campus. And hopefully this time you won’t need a winter coat to enjoy it.