This post was written by Hatchet reporter Shazreh Khan.
Five bands and one local rap artist battled on stage to raise money to fund the battle against cancer Tuesday.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a community service-based sorority, hosted their sixth annual Battle of the Bands in the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom, with proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Although exact amounts will not be confirmed for another week, the group estimates they raised more than $2,500.
The competing bands – Level 7, The Riverbreaks, The Blackberry Belles, The Heartless Romantics and Tycho Brahé – consisted of student and alumni musicians. The competition usually comprises alternative and rock bands but the addition of Georgetown rapper Tate Tucker added a new element to the traditional program.
The Mighty Heard, the winners of the last two Battle of the Bands, judged the competition this year and selected The Blackberry Belles, a local garage-soul band, as this year’s winner. The audience choice winner was rapper Tate Tucker.
The Blackberry Belles won $1,000 worth of studio time, while Tate Tucker was awarded three hours of studio time.
“It’s very humbling. There were a lot of really good bands tonight. It was an honor to be here and support this,” lead singer of The Blackberry Belles, Tony Blankenship, said.