South Range students ready to rock at battle of the bands

January 7, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

CLEVELAND

When Barry Gabel, senior vice president of Live Nation, thinks back to origins of the annual High School Rock Off, he can’t help but giggle.

“Really, from day one, it was a way to pay the light bill at The Odeon,” Gabel said, laughing. “We were open during that time of the year, and not many bands toured in the height of winter.”

Not only did the high-profile battle of the bands keep the lights on, but nearly overnight the event became a regional rite of passage, with young musicians getting the chance to perform at The Odeon and later the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and House of Blues.

The 20th annual Tri-C High School Rock Off, which this year features Mine from South Range High School and 44 other bands, takes place Saturdays now through Feb. 13 at the Rock Hall.

“This year, we wanted to do something special for the 20th anniversary, so we’re featuring some of the previous Rock Off bands that are still playing,” Gabel said.

As for the actual contestants, the performers are vying for prizes, which include $1,000 cash, $250 for their respective high-school music program and a one-year endorsement deal that includes GRABBIT gear, swag, e-marketing/advertising via social media, website promotions and event booking. Second place will receive $250 cash and $100 for their high-school music program, while third place will receive $100 cash.

Also, the winning act will receive the opportunity to open up for a Live Nation or House of Blues concert. New this year is an invitation to perform at the 2016 Summer Tri-C JazzFest in downtown Cleveland.

While money is great, it’s the gig opening for a national band that invariably catches the eye of high-school kids dreaming of rock ’n’ roll stardom. However, Gabel views the Rock Off as more of a music industry internship of sorts for students.

“The core idea for the Rock Off was to identify local bands that wanted to be in the industry and learn from professionals,” Gabel said. “So it wasn’t just to be in a band, but learning how to market your band, how to work with professional bookers, how to work with professional stage and tech managers, and how to put together a press kit.”

While many Rock Off veterans are still playing around the region, Gabel said a few have gone on to bigger and better things. This includes The Strange Familiar (formerly Jaded Era) writing songs for film and movies, Sean Grandillo now acting on Broadway and Chris Wild working as a Nashville musician.

Looking ahead, Gabel is optimistic the Rock Off will continue on for another 20 years.