Winners named in Battle of the Bands

7/14/2009

After a month of online voting for more than 145 bands or solo acts, four winners have been named in The Blades Battle of the Bands contest, and one of them will get a chance to open for classic rock band Foreigner at The Andersons 26th Annual Northwest Ohio Rib-Off.

The winner in the country category was George Damron & Buffalo Ridge; in the solo and duo contest, Crystal Bowersox; and in the rhythm and blues category, BUCK69.

In the pop/rock category, the victor was in theory. The bands emerged from among 13 finalists who performed at the Red, White, KABOOM celebration during the July 4 weekend.

For in theory, the next step is submitting an audition tape to Foreigner. If the band s management agrees, the local group will open for them at the Rib-Off on Aug. 8

The Rib-Off s Aug. 6 concert will showcase Motown band Touch. The next night will feature national country stars Luke Bryan and Tracy Lawrence. And on Aug. 8 the event will feature Foreigner.

Seating for all three concerts is limited, and Rib-Off tickets can be purchased in advance. General admission is $5 for Thursday and $8 for Friday or Saturday. Advance tickets are available at The Andersons area stores or online at nwohioriboff.com.

Rib-Off hours are Aug. 6, 3-10 p.m.; Aug. 7, 3-11 p.m.; Aug. 8, noon-11 p.m.; and Aug. 9 noon-6 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefi t the Make a Wish Foundation and other local charities.