Leading off the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau’s 3rd Annual Summer Nights program was its First Annual Battle of the Bands competition, held at Tuesday night.
The free event showcased four teen bands that took the stage, and spectators stuck around to watch Rendition take the crown.
Director of the Smithtown Youth Bureau, Patsy Hirschhorn, explained that the teen event was suggested and created by teens from the Youth Bureau youth board. They have been working on adding this new addition to their summer repertoire since the end of last summer’s program.
“We wanted the kids to be able to have a chance to show their talent,” said Hirschhorn.
Among the four bands that competed were; Glow Source, Resistance, who came in third place, Hopeless Romantics, who came in second place and the winners, Rendition.
Opening the event with some classic rock hits were teens from the in Port Jefferson, who also provided a stage setup and equipment for the whole evening and recording time to the first prize winners at Live@Studios in Bohemia.
Also in attendance were supporting businesses, such as , who provided prizes, such as gift cards and a slot at their Open Mic night and the Grace Music School, who gave a prize of music lessons.
“It was overwhelming how businesses in the community wanted to get involved,” said Hirschhorn. “We couldn’t believe the response from sponsors.”
Other companies such as donated to the event, and supermarket provided bottled water for the event.
No matter how big of a crowd would have showed up, Hirschhorn would have been elated at the turnout because of all the planning that went into making the Battle of the Bands come to life.
“Of course I always want every kid in town to be there at events,” Hirschhorn said. “But for it being the first time, it went well.”
The Battle of the Bands competition is just the first of a handful of events included in the Smithtown Youth Bureau’s Summer Nights program. Events like karaoke, arts and crafts and various sporting events will continue throughout July and August.
“I can’t wait to see how the program grows,” Hirschhorn said.
- Joe