Fame-seeking bands will 'battle'

Mirror staff

If there are new bands in Federal Way destined for music stardom, they might be heard next month in the city-sponsored Battle of the Bands.

The Federal Way Youth Commission is accepting applications until July 29 for the event, which is scheduled for Aug. 10 at the Steel Lake skate park. Organizers say they want to help local bands showcase their talent before a free-admission audience that might springboard them to wider attention.

It’s unknown if any talent scouts will attend, but the commission is inviting a representative of KGRG-FM, the Green River Community College radio station known for giving airplay to local bands.

To get into the “battle,” bands must submit a demo tape of their music, preferably the songs they would perform. The tapes will help a review committee decide if a band plays well enough to be featured and if its lyrics are acceptable for a general audience. Bands with profane or objectionable lyrics won’t be accepted, and if they try to perform such songs at the show, they will be “removed,” said Aaron Moe, recreation supervisor for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department

Organizers hope to include at least six bands in the show. Each will be given 30 minutes on stage.

The emphasis is on young musicians, so at least one member of the band must be under the age of 21. The youth angle is also why the skate park was selected as the concert venue, Moe said.

Applications are available by calling the city of 661-4157 and via the Web at www.cityoffederalway.com. They’re also at Klahanee Lake Community Center at 33901 Ninth Ave. S.

The event is the seventh Battle of the Bands hosted by the city.

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