Battle of the Bands raises money for Hurricane Florence

Theta Phi Alpha’s Battle of the Bands raised $828 for Hurricane Florence relief.

Kaitlyn Zak and Allyson Clark, Philanthropy Chairs for Theta Phi, set a goal of $600 for the event and were able to not only exceed their goal but also raise more money than in previous years. “Battle of the Bands is getting better and better each year, and we can’t wait to see how much it grows in the future! Of course, we couldn’t have had such a successful event without our co-hosts, AEC and WCPR, and our sponsor, Tunes,” commented Zak.

Theta Phi decided to raise money for Hurricane Florence since it supported their philanthropic cause, “The House that Theta Phi Alpha Built, the goal of which is to improve the plight of the homeless. ‘The House’ allows Theta Phi chapters around the country to support local charities and causes of their choice,” explained Zak.

This year was the first time the event had a sponsor. Zak and Clark reached out to local businesses, and Tunes was excited to help Hurricane Florence survivors and get involved with the Stevens community. Tunes donated raffle prizes including a turntable, records, and Tunes gift cards. With the combination of Tunes sponsorship and ticket prices being raised from $5 to $10, more money was raised this year than in previous years.

Eight bands performed at the event, with some of them being last-minute additions. There were even two bands that had to be turned away. The band sign ups were advertised on Facebook along with Zak and Clark reaching out to Greek life and their musical friends.

The band lineup consisted of Cool and Good, George’s Good Ear, Frontrunner, Bears and Vixens, Exit 114, Patch Bay, The Alamo, and Cruise Awayy.

The show opened with an introduction from the emcee, Noah Grande, who used corny jokes to keep the energy of the crowd going. The first band, Cool and Good, was met with a reluctant, timid crowd that was too afraid to come close to the stage. However, after the first song, the band urged the audience to move closer. The event was a fun time for many people who came, whether they were there to support a specific band or just to have fun. The show consisted of different styles of music and even an occasional mosh pit. The atmosphere of Jacobus became especially elevated when bands performed cover songs. Fast Lane covered “Mr. Brightside” and “Stacey’s Mom,” and other audience favorites like “September” by The Alamo.

George’s Good Ear, which consisted of Lodge brothers, won first place, The Alamo, which consisted of Sig Ep brothers, won second place, and Cruise Awayy, which the emcee introduced as “two college students and their friends singing okay music,” won third place.