Dream Angels take top prize at fifth Battle of the Bands
By TAMMY TRAGAKISS
May, 07, 2009
FALLS VILLAGE — The Dream Angels took first place and People’s Choice at the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s fifth annual Battle of the Bands, held April 25 at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
Salisbury Bank and Trust, Harney and Sons Fine Teas, Dr. Robert J. Bird and Morrison Gallery sponsored the event, which drew hundreds of young people and their families to watch eight area garage bands perform for cash prizes.
The Dream Angels (featuring Sam McGarrity on guitar, Dillon Halas on bass and Jared Lauzier on drums) won a total of $800 for its crowd- and judge-pleasing set.
Winning $400 was runner-up Pretending To Read Shakespeare, with lead vocalist Juliet Knuth, Maya Mortman on bass, Nadav Mortman on piano, Robert Paris on guitar and Robert Lazama on drums.
“I think the best part of the event is that it gives kids a chance to challenge their own fears, shine in front of their peers, and realize that they can have some control in igniting their own passions,” said the bureau’s executive director, Cynthia Bianchi.
Other bands who won lots of applause were the Window Box Failures, The Allegory, Beneath the Roses, White Noise, Blu Mantra and Juan and Pablo Go to the Petting Zoo.
Judges this year were Damon Osora, Luke Bemand and Joshua Stone. Sound and light was engineered by Handy Boys Enterprises.
The battle showcases the Northwest Corner’s garage bands. Net proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services of the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau, a nonprofit agency dedicated to supporting youth and families in northwest Connecticut.
