In the words of the immortal Dewey Finn, “One great rock show can change the world,” and five groups of young rockers tried their best this June at the annual Teen Battle of the Bands. The contest is held each year at the Maple Grove Town Green amphitheater.
The city of Maple Grove and IPR teamed up once again this year for the battle. The line-up for the night included five high school-aged bands: Mystique, Flynnch, Distant Edge, Crosswalk, and Hallucitania.
Representatives from IPR evaluated each band based on the following categories: Originality, Technicality, Creativity, Stage Presence/Professionalism, Intonation, Rhythm, and Style. Each year, the top scoring band receives an eight-hour recording session with an engineer at IPR studios, a prize valuing $2000.00. This year’s winner was Distant Edge.
“IPR provides a great opportunity for our teen bands to experience recording their original music; they also offer feedback to the bands about their performance, what they do well and what they can improve on. The support of IPR for this event has been a long time relationship, we appreciate their contribution and support to our teen bands,” Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Youth Outreach Coordinator Tanya Hilger said in an interview with the Maple Grove Voice.
Angela Grimsley, Executive Admissions Representative at IPR was excited to participate. She has been an annual judge at the event.
“IPR is proud to support this opportunity for young musicians to plan an incredible set and showcase their skills for the community. We are advocates for creative high school students in their many talents.”
Distant Edge will be performing at Maple Grove Days, on the Town Green at 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16.