SAFFORD — One of Gila Valley’s favorite events returns this weekend.
The 18th Annual Double R Communications Battle of the Bands will be held Saturday, July 9th at the Graham County Fairgrounds.
The first band hits the stage at noon, with new bands appearing every 30 minutes. This year’s lineup includes:
Noon — Black Hills Band (Rock/Country)
12:30 — One way empty (alternate)
1 – second hand smoke (locked)
1:30 — Sonflowers (Alternate)
2 — Third Stone (Blues)
2:30 — Citrus (Indy)
3 — Last Territory Band (Country/Southern Rock)
3:30 — Ignite (Christian Rock)
4 — No Time To Kill (Rock)
4:30 — Borrowed Time (Metal)
5 — Last Dream (Rock)
5:30 — Novice No Longer (Rock)
6 — Happy and the Ghost (Rock)
6:30 — Crash (Rock)
7 — Plain Jane (Variety)
7:30 — 4 Locos (Rock)
Reed Richins, owner of Double R Communications, said: “For the past 18 years, all kinds of music have won the Battle of the Bands… The funny thing is, I don’t know any country bands have won.
The winning band will receive a $2,000 check, and the second place winner will receive a $500 Richard’s Music gift certificate and $250 in cash. In addition, there are prizes for the best singers, guitarists, bassists, drummers and professional instrumentalists.
This year’s judges are 2008 Gila Valley Idol winner Adam Krohn, 2017 Gila Valley Idol winner Darin Kamae, and 2018 Gila Valley Idol winner Pete McCormick.
There will also be a Nickel Picnic featuring 5-cent hot dogs served by Safford Taylor Freeze. Nickel Picnic is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Safford. Plus, there’s the SEACUS Beer Tent, with all proceeds going to support Meals on Wheels. and many other vendors.
Admission is just $2 a day and you can purchase a 2022 Battle of the Bands t-shirt.
Sponsors include Mack’s Auto Supply/NAPA. Firefly; Swire Coca-Cola; Sparklight; Freeport-McMoran; Richard’s Music; Audiovision; Brando’s Fun N’ Sun Travel and Cruise; 102.3, and News Talk KATO AM 1230.
