IceHogs Behind the Glass: Battle of the Bands

Rockford has been known to have an excellent and active live music scene. It’s a point of pride to know there are more than two-dozen venues to hit on any given weekend here in the stateline area. Many of the local acts have produced their own CDs and taken their acts on the road to Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and further. Suffice to say, on any given weekend, you should be checking out a band if music is your calling.

Part of the reason for this music excellence is the fact that local High School bands are successful and growing. And despite typical funding setbacks for music programs, young people are learning to play music and music instructors are finding a way for kids to get the instruments into their hands. Nationally, the VH1 Save the Music foundation has helped inner city bands find the means to get an instrument into the hands of every child that wants to learn. Locally, the Rockford IceHogs and LT’s Bar and Grill, in conjunction with the UHL and the VH1 Save the Music foundation have committed to help continue this tradition of musical excellence with the help and recognition of local bands in the 2007 Battle of the Bands.

Starting on Thursday, February 22nd and again on March 1st and March 8th, the preliminary rounds for the Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands will be held at LT’s Bar and Grill. Local bands will compete for the opportunity to play to the home crowd of the Rockford IceHogs on March 30th and the chance to fly to New York City to play for an RCA record executive. Money raised through the voting process and through the sale of game-day jerseys will be donated to the VH1 Save the Music foundation.

If you love local music, come out to LT’s and support your favorite band. The ‘Hogs will be taking one winner from each night of competition and one overall fan favorite to play live at the March 30th game. Your favorite band will need your votes to win. If you’re in a band, you can sign up by sending a sample CD of your original music (no covers) to Scott Hulmes @ LT’s Bar and Grill - 1011 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 or call (815) 394-1098 for details. The 2007 Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands is supported by Budweiser and 104.9 WXRX.