A grand prize package will be awarded to the best overall band, which will includes:
- Free recording time at Gravity Studios in Chicago
- Washburn acoustic bass
- Oscar Schmidt ukulele
- Yamaha DW-7 12-string guitar
- Audio-Technica AT3031 and AT3035 condenser microphones
- Toca Djembe
- Latin Percussion Bongos
- Guitars accessories from D’Addario and Planet Waves
Additional awards will be presented to the Best Male Vocalist, Best Female Vocalist, Best Guitarist, Best Acoustic Instrumentalist, Best Percussionist, Best Original Song, and Best Unplugged Arrangement of a Cover Song.
How it works
Friday nights from January 6 through February 17, 2006, four different bands will take the stage to perform their best 15 minute "unplugged" set. One band will be chosen from each Friday night to advance to the semifinal round. The winning band each Friday night will be chosen by audience ballot (so bring your friends). One additional band from each month will also qualify as a "Wild Card" band to advance to the semifinal rounds. Two bands from each of the two semifinals will advance to the Battle of the Bands "Unplugged" Final Round.
What classifies as "Unplugged"?
Bands will be allowed to use the following instruments: acoustic guitars (with or without electric pickups), mandolin, ukulele, banjo, sitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, acoustic bass guitar. String family instruments are allowed including violin, viola, cello, and bass. Keyboards will be limited to piano and organ voices only. Accordions, melodicas, harmonicas and recorders are allowed. Wind instruments are allowed including flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium and tuba. We will even let you bring your bagpipes if you insist.
Percussionists will be limited to snare drum and hi-hat with brushes only. You may also use any hand drum such as conga, bongo, djembe, or any Latin percussion instrument such as cowbell, tambourine, claves, triangle, maracas, cabasa, or chimes. You may not use any effects device, pedal board, sequencer, drum machine or other electronic device.
If you are currently playing in a rock band, think of Eric Clapton performing Layla on MTV unplugged. We will provide a Washburn acoustic bass guitar for you to play during the event.
Battle of the Bands "Unplugged" Schedule
Friday, January 6 - Preliminary Round - 7:00 p.m.
Planet Tree - JANUARY SEMI FINALIST - View Photo
Stealin’ Quickhands
Tyed
Red 7
Friday, January 13 - Preliminary Round - 7:00 p.m.
Shillelagh Law - JANUARY SEMI FINALIST - View Photo
Heller & Basil - JANUARY WILDCARD WINNER - View Photo
Mr. Slate
Green Raven
Friday, January 20 - Preliminary Round - 7:00 p.m.
Cholent- JANUARY SEMI FINALIST - View Photo
Soulshine
Friday, January 27 - Semifinal Round for January Bands - 7:00 p.m.
Shillelagh Law – JANUARY FINALIST
Planet Tree – JANUARY FINALIST
Heller & Basil
Cholent
Friday, February 3 - Preliminary Round - 7:00 p.m.
Goolash - FEBRUARY SEMI FINALIST - View Photo
Puravida
The Saturday June Band
Jenni Chase Band
Friday, February 10 - Preliminary Round - 7:00 p.m.
Alterism - FEBRUARY SEMI FINALIST - View Photo
EverSoJake
Orange Meltdown
Crash
Friday, February 17 - Preliminary Round - 7:00 p.m.
E-Dog - FEBRUARY SEMI FINALIST - View Photo
Earthbound - FEBRUARY WILDCARD WINNER - View Photo
Soulshine
Frank Tribes Band
Friday, February 24 - February Semifinal Round - 6:30 p.m.
Tickets required for this event. Contact store for details.
Goolash - FEBRUARY SEMI FINALIST
Alterism - FEBRUARY SEMI FINALIST
E-Dog
Earthbound
Friday, March 3 - FINAL ROUND - 6:30 p.m.
Tickets required for this event. Contact store for details.
Goolash - 2006 Battle of the Bands Finalist! - View Photos
Shillelagh Law
Planet Tree
Alterism
Employees and family members of Gand Music & Sound, as well as participating manufacturers, or resellers of participating manufactures products are ineligible to enter.
Come watch the show every Friday night and vote for your favorite band.
Click here for Battle of the Bands 2005.
