Bands from all over Maryland hit the stage at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater on Saturday. The songs were different, but the common goal was to play for Boys & Girls Clubs in Frederick County.
A local nonprofit was the beneficiary of the first-ever battle of the bands of the day, announced by Jarad Bowens and his Frederick-based company, Benefactor Events.
Bowens came up with the idea for the contest after meeting Timika Thrasher, Executive Director of Boys & Girls through the County Chamber of Commerce.
Together they invited bands to compete for grand prizes, including the opportunity to make records at Frederick Recording Studios, with the support of M&T Bank, local businesses and music enthusiasts.
Thrasher and Bowens said the purpose of the event was also to draw attention to boys and girls clubs.
“They are nationally recognized, but the idea that they are nationally funded is not correct,” Bowens said. “So I want to raise awareness to that particular point. I knew they had the infrastructure and community support to make an event like this a success.”
Thrasher said the money raised from the event will help fund a summer program for a nearby boys and girls club.
“School is almost out,” Thrasher said. “[Families] I’m trying to find something my kids can do that doesn’t strain their arms and legs, but it can be a little difficult.”
Event organizer Stephen Kay said more than $10,000 was raised through Battle of the Bands, and Thrasher said it would also help future Boys & Girls Club programs.
Germantown-based pop-punk band Címontì took first place on Saturday, while Frederick-based POINT OF ROCK took home the crowd favorite award.
Thrasher and Bowens said they hope this year’s Battle of the Bands will be the first.
Thrasher, who has held the position for about a year, has ambitious plans to expand the Boys & Girls Club and its locations into the Frederick County community. Battle of the Bands is one way to do that.
“That’s my long-term goal: to bring all the kids from different backgrounds together,” Thrasher said.