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Photo taken by Wallo Villacorta.

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On Friday, April 24, seven local bands will take the Courtyard Cafe stage and flaunt their musical abilities for an enticing free admission price and the chance at prizes for both the performing acts and audience members.

While Battle of the Band events often bring a fear that the night will be filled with the same music, covers, and sound from each act, the Illini Union Board has collected a variety that is sure to tickle the fancy of any fan of music. Concert-goers can expect everything from classic blues and favorite covers, to punk and funk. The first band on docket is A Book by its Cover, an act formed in 2008 that covers a variety of songs, featuring numbers from current radio favorite the Killers, to memories of the ‘90s with the Wallflowers. Also set to perform is On Again Off Again, a Chicago indie-folk quartet that sounds like the love child of Weezer’s winning guitar riffs and Elliot Smith’s soulful lyrics. Stone Creek then shakes things up a bit, fusing classic blues with modern rock. Following Stone Creek will be the naturally high energy act Collusion, a band that can be compared to Stevie Ray Vaughn and Foghat. The middle of the line-up brings Shark Bandit, a fun alternative band that keeps the audience jumping with their edgy vocals and strong guitar solos. Also battling is Court of Elm, a band that takes inspiration from Ben Folds and Jet, as their robust piano and sweet vocals strengthen their upbeat performances. Closing out the night with an added spice, Dr. Fünke’s 100 percent All Natural Good Time Funk Band Solution is nothing short of funk’s best, with impressive grooves and sensual vocals.

Winners are determined by a panel of three judges who have a background in music, as well as audience participation. The winning band not only receives $500, but is also entered into the Joust Records National Record Deal Competition. This competition allows the act to compete online against the winners of similar events at other national universities. The bands, however, are not the only ones leaving with a prize, as the music-loving audience also has a chance to win an iPod shuffle at the end of the night. Check out these promising student bands as they compete on Friday, April 24 at the Courtyard Cafe. Admission is free with an 8 p.m. starting time.