BATTLE OF THE BANDS Top young rockers

By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
HE VALLEY'S YOUNG ROCK bands are battling for supremacy, but they're getting closer to one another in the process.
The first Battle of the Bands/Battle for Your Fans contest at The Dome Concert Club is heading into its final weekend, after which a champion will be crowned.
About 100 bands entered the competition a few months ago. The field has slowly been reduced to 24 finalists, who will vie for the grand prize of $700 cash, plus $700 worth of recording time at a Cleveland studio, the weekend of May 28-30 at The Dome. There are also prizes for the second- and third-place finishers.
While the competition is stiff, the event also has a higher goal.
"Part of what we set out to do is to build unity among the area's rock bands," said Doug Kirchner, booking agent for The Dome.
"Bands and promoters are starting to talk to each other, and shows are getting booked. Groups are getting noticed. It's creating a 'scene.' We're starting to see it now," said Kirchner.
Attendance has been strong for the shows, which are open to fans of all ages, said Kirchner. He plans on making the Battle a twice-a-year event, with a contest before summer and another one at the end of summer.
The winners of each round are judged by a panel of music insiders, said Kirchner. The finals will be judged by B.J. Lisko, editor of Youngstown Pulse; Real Rock 104 DJ Mo; and Bill Peters of Warner Bros.
The shows start at 7 each night.
What else is planned
At noon May 29, The Dome will hold a panel discussion for band members featuring booking agents, record company representatives, magazine editors and store owners. Attendance will be limited to the first 200 people.
The awards ceremony will be at 10 p.m. May 30.
Fans can also help their favorite bands by voting for them at www.thedomeconcertclub.com. The band with the most votes will win a prize.