Spots remain for inaugural ‘Battle at the Bridge’

Published 4:38 pm Monday, March 26, 2018

Excitement continues to brew for a new event offered by Elizabethton Parks and Recreation.

Kelly Kitchens, programs and special events coordinator with the department, recently announced that spots still remain for the inaugural “Battle at the Bridge” band competition, scheduled to take place Saturday, May 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Covered Bridge Park.

Kitchens recently announced via social media that the department is still accepting band or solo acts between the ages of 13 to 19 years old.

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“We’ll be selecting between four or five acts for the day of to compete for the grand prize,” Kitchens recently told the Elizabethton Star.

Parks & Rec, Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition, Northeast Credit Community Union, Sound Asylum, Elizabethton City Schools, Ambrose Sound and Campbell’s Morrell Music are all partnering to offer a battle-of-the-bands event for area youth. The event is free and open to any performer or band that wants to participate. Any family-friendly musical style is eligible for the competition and each participant will be judged by individuals with experience in the profession.

For more information for potential sponsorship opportunities or to register, email kitchens_kelly@outlook.com, call (423) 547-6441 or visit the City of Elizabethton website.

A sizeable reward awaits the winner of the competition, according to Kitchens. The musician or musicians that come away victorious will receive eight hours of studio recording to produce one original track courtesy of Sound Asylum in Johnson City, $250 in Ticketmaster gift cards, a first place trophy and other prize donations. Runner-up bands will also receive a trophy for their efforts.

Along with the musical fun, food vendors, an urban art showcase and professional BMX/skateboard demonstrations will be held at the park and on Elk Avenue Bridge.

Kitchens added the goal of the event is to have something that appeals to the teenage demographic within the region. The coordinator added Parks & Rec is aiming to offer events for all different age groups.

Updates on the event can be followed on the Parks & Rec social media account or by contacting the department via phone or email.