The next wave of local musical talent was on full display at the Napanee Fairgrounds on June 1 during the first ever youth Battle of the Bands.
Sixteen acts aged 20 and under from across eastern Ontario took the stage, performing for a panel of judges and a hangar full of fans.
Napanee-based rock band Third Time’s a Charm won first place in the bands category. The win comes on the heels of their Juvenis Festival first place finish in Kingston on May 18 in the post-secondary category, and the recent release of the band’s debut single, ‘Fading Innocence.’
TTaC played a four-song set which included three original songs, and a cover of ‘My Hero’ by the Foo Fighters.
“I’ve been at this band thing since I was in my early teens,” says Brock Pettifer, drummer, who at age 20 is the ‘old man’ of the band said in a media release. “Connecting with these guys and experiencing how all our different musical influences can come together to create a unique sound has given me hope that this is possible.”
In addition to Pettifer, the band lineup includes Ryland Murray (lead vocals and guitar), Joseph Hauser (lead guitar), and Isaac Harvey (bass and keys). TTaC began their journey as a band in December 2023 after meeting at the Harmony Lounge and Music Club where Hauser and Pettifer are mentors in the Rock Skool program.
The panel of judges included film and television composer and music producer Terry Benn, CJAI Radio host Jeff Chestnut, Dave Deshane of Knucklehead, and Dave Cheeseborough from the Howe Island Rockin’ the Rock Festival.
Tayln Brown of Interrobang performs during the Napanee Battle of the Bands, held June 1 at the fairgrounds. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Cheeseborough sponsored the first place prize in the band category, which is the ‘new-2-scene’ opening spot at the Howe Island festival on July 20.
“The chance to perform on a big festival stage, and to be part of that incredible lineup of talent is the best prize ever,” says Murray. “I can promise you that we will rock that rock and make the most of this opportunity.”
QCHS Rock Band Club, a high school band formed in September, performed their version of Radiohead’s Creep. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Runner up in the band category was Interrobang followed by Napanee’s Switzerville Sound.
In the solo category Walker Budd finished first, David Souter second and Mason Forsey-MacKinnon third. The People’s Choice Award went to Euphoria.
Thanks to ticket sales and vendor fees, the event raised $800 for Napanee’s Harmony Lounge and Music Club Rock Skool.