Freehold to host Battle of Bands

FREEHOLD - The Freehold Borough Recreation Commission has opened up a call for entries to any Freehold-based or local, high school or college-age bands that would like to compete in the town's second annual Battle of the Bands.

Scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 30, the competition will be held in the Monmouth County Hall of Records Annex parking lot in downtown Freehold. Rain date is Sept. 6.

To be considered, interested bandsmust apply by contacting recreation commission member Steven Le Vine at bands@theprgrapevine. com with an Electronic Press Kit (EPK), whichmay include a bio, photos, song clips and contact information.

Only bands that can confirmattendance on both dates (Aug. 30 and Sept. 6) are asked to apply. The deadline for all entries is July 1. Selected participants will be notified by July 15.

Prizes for the event will include packages from local recording studios such as Blue Room Studios. Owned by Kerry and Joe Pompeo, Blue RoomStudios is in downtown Freehold and was the presenting sponsor of last year's first Battle of the Bands.

Last year, the Freehold band Off 537 took home the grand prize of studio time from Blue Room Studios after securing 80 votes, making them the winning band.

Money raised this year will go directly to the Freehold Borough Educational Foundation to support improved music education in Freehold Borough's schools. Last year, almost $500 was raised for the foundation.

For more information on the event, contact Steven Le Vine at (732) 610-5545.