By Tracy Dietlin
This past Sunday night was the Final round of Fortune Finder Music Group’s “Summer Showdown: Battle of the Bands” at The Hood Bar & Pizza. I was honored to be one of the judges again this year alongside Brian Blueskye (from CV Independent) and alternate judges Lance Riebsomer and Christina Reyes of Caxton.
Going into the finals we knew it was going to be tough competition as all 3 bands are amazing performers in each of their genres. The winner was Hollace: Alex Antonio (vocals), Frank Michel (lead guitar), James Hollis Eaton (rhythm guitar) Shawn “Stretch” Fisher (bass) and Josh Ballard (drums). From the moment they took the stage they held the audience in the palm of their hand. Frontman Alex Antonio’s vocals were spot on with dynamic range as he worked the stage with moves similar to Axel Rose, but never an imitation. The band as a whole, were tight and never missed a beat even though drummer Josh Ballard had just gotten out of the hospital with pneumonia. Hollace is a high energy, melodic rock band with radio-ready songs and catchy hooks that will stay in your head long after you hear them. More on this band as a full feature article in next week’s issue.
Second place went to Thr3Strykes with members Josh Hall and Josh Fimbres, who also brought along members of their side project The Dirty X’s (Jake Fimbres and Eric Vaca) for part of their set. These guys are in your face performers and put on a show you will never forget. Thr3Strykes have been known to raise the roof, literally, during their performances. You never know what might happen and that’s just part of what makes them so entertaining to watch, not to mention they can spit rap lyrics with the best of them. Thr3Strykes have won the CV Music Award in 2014 & 2015 for “Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artists”.
Third place went to the Yucca Valley band Blackwater: This power trio is hard, full throttle rock and gave a flawless performance. Singer, guitarist Jimmy Fine, showed off some serious shredding skills to go with his vocal prowess and drummer Jeremy Hewson pounded the skins to perfection, but it was bass player Jerry Bryson that stole the show. Bryson is an absolute beast on the bass working the stage and commanding your attention.
Just because the other two bands placed second and third doesn’t mean they weren’t worthy of the win. This was difficult to judge as all 3 bands are quite different and all excellent musicians. But Hollace came out and slayed it from start to finish and walked off with the $1000.00 prize. Congratulations to all 3 bands. You are all winners!!
You can check out Hollace and Blackwater performing this Friday at Schmidy’s Tavern along with The Classy Mother Fu?kers and Johnny Elsewhere. This is a free show and starts at 8:30.
Thr3Strykes will be performing at Schmidy’s on Saturday for Chelsea Sugarbritches Birthday along with Perishment, Sweat Act, Blasting Echo and Bridger. This is a free show and starts at 8:00pm.
