The search for Penticton’s next great band will begin on March 24.
Rock and roll will take centre stage at the Barking Parrot this spring when the pub presents its own version of Battle of the Bands.
The goal is simple for manager Marty O’Hara — to find a local band who hasn’t gotten an opportunity to shine.
A four-week competition, the inaugural rock and roll battle will culminate with the declaration of the “next great local band” on April 14.
The winners will be slated to play a future paid gig at the Barking Parrot, receive an invite to play at the bar’s Foo Fighters after-party on Oct. 1, spend a free night at the Lakeside Resort and win a $500 gift card at the establishment.
“I would love to have a house band as well,” O’Hara said.
“I’m hoping we can do it where (the winner) becomes the house band and plays gigs every Thursday.”
The upcoming Battle of the Bands will occur on four consecutive Thursdays, beginning with the first round on March 24 and ending with the grand finals on April 14.
The best bands from the three first weeks will compete in the final round, where the last group standing will be determined by gauging the roars of the crowd.
“We’ll have the crowd pick their favourite,” O’Hara explained.
“There will be crowd favourites from each night and those bands will come to play at the finals on April 14.”
The bar’s manager doesn’t want to limit the talent pool to only Penticton-based musicians, however.
Whoever can make it and wants an opportunity to perform in front of an audience is invited to register.
The grassroots competition was inspired by an announcement last month, making it official that famed-rock band Foo Fighters would be coming to the Peach City in October.
“With the Foo Fighters in town, we wanted to throw an after-party,” O’Hara explained.
“We wanted to add a fun way to make this work, so whoever wins Battle of Bands will play at the party.”
READ MORE: Foo Fighters coming to Penticton in October
As of March 3, the Barking Parrot says the competition is still in its early stages. Still, O’Hara is hoping to have five different bands play each night (March 24, March 31, April 7 and April 14).
The manager acknowledged the impact COVID-19 had on local artists. That’s why he’s hoping this event can reignite the creative juices for many, in an effort to bring back a thriving music scene in Penticton.
“We’re trying to find those garage bands who are wanting to come back, perform in front of dancing people and just have fun.”
People interested in registering to play at the Battle of the Bands are asked to email O’Hara at marty@barkingparrot.com.
Music lovers around the community are invited to watch the competition unfold on each of the select days starting at 7 p.m., free of charge.
READ MORE: ‘Let the good times roll again’: Pentastic Jazz Festival officially back this September
@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com
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