Bands battle it out onstage

TanZen, who performed at last year’s event, takes the stage again tonight during the Battle of the Bands, a competition featuring seven bands.

Are you ready to rock, UIC?

Battle of the Bands hits the stage at 6 p.m. tonight in the Illinois Room, Student Center East. Seven bands — Starbender, Oracle, Pharaon, Ghoul For A Goblin, Jiggawatts, The Red Flag Boys and TanZen — will perform a free show for the UIC community. There’s a $2 admission charge for others.

The crop of bands this year was deeper than previous years, UIC Radio organizers say.

“The number of bands who applied increased significantly from last year,” said Pearl Shin, UIC Radio’s music director. “Over 20 bands applied.”

With midterms wrapping up, Battle of the Bands is the perfect event to get students’ minds off their studies before spring break. Students can expect a great show with a diverse mix of genres.

“There’s really something for everyone to enjoy,” said Austin Sellers, marketing director for UIC Radio. “Students can have a chance to relax, listen to some new bands, support their peers and be a part of something creative and cool on campus.”