On Friday, May 15th, over 120 attendees visited the North Reading Moose Hall to hear six youth bands compete in North Reading Youth Service’s 8th Annual Battle of the Bands. Sponsored by The Savings Bank, bands performed for 20 minutes each in competition for prizes. The event was judged by local volunteers John Fiore from Alpha Omega Studios, Paige Fultz from the Anthem Group, recent NRHS graduate Brian Lee, and local musicians Carissa Johnson and Michael Scannell. The event was produced by teen volunteers and coordinated by Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz. Luckiewicz commented, “Every year this is my favorite event. The music is amazing, but I love watching the teens support each other and cheer each other on during their sets. They get to meet musicians from other towns and we all get to enjoy the night.” The evening also aims at providing a substance-free safe event for youth to enjoy, explore their artistry, and express themselves creatively.
This year’s featured bands included BunkerHill, Val Eats the Ceiling Fan, Welcome Mat (Fist Place People’s Choice), Moments (Third Place Judge’s Choice), Veader (Second Place Judge’s Choice) and 51st State (First Place Judge’s Choice). North Reading Youth Services would like to thank The Savings Bank, Samantha Miller and Frank Ferraro from North Reading Youth Services, photographer Michelle Taylor, Sandy Garniss and Friends of North Reading Hornet Productions, North Reading Rotary Club’s Peter Majane, David Manzi from Boston #7 Rotary Club, Phil Healy and the students from NORCAM, along with our friends and family who volunteered. A special thanks to teen volunteers Nico Costa, Annie Nitzsche, Kalei Griffin, Tanner Smith, and Josh Taylor for all of your help and time! The event will be shown on NORCAM in the near future.