Jillian's to host nationwide battle of the bands

BOARDMAN -- Some musical group is going to win Budweiser's National Battle of the Bands -- and why shouldn't it be a local one?
Jillian's, a theme restaurant chain, is hosting competitions at all 28 of its locations nationwide, including in the Southern Park Mall, 7401 Market St. Bands should register now; call (330) 629-8556.
Up to six bands will compete at local competitions at 7 p.m. next Sunday, July 18, 25 and Aug. 1. Each band will play up to five songs or for 30 minutes. One winner will be selected each night by judges from Budweiser's parent company, Anheuser-Busch, and local radio. Those winners will face one another at local finals Aug. 8, where each group will have up to 20 minutes or four songs.
That finalist will then compete in regional competition Aug. 13 at Jillian's in Akron for the right to move onto the national competition Aug. 20 in Louisville, Ky., where Jillian's is based.
The winning band's prize package will include a performance at Jillian's in San Francisco on Sept. 11; tickets to the Budweiser True Music Fest featuring Dave Matthews Band on Sept. 12 in Golden Gate State Park, also in San Francisco; an electric guitar; and promotional support from Anheuser-Busch.
Information also is available on the Jillian's Web site, www.jillians.com.