Halloween will be filled with not only the usual ghosts and ghouls this year, but also with the sounds of some of Baton Rouge’s best bands.Students On Target will host the annual Battle of the Bands competition Saturday in the Greek Theatre from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Students On Target aims to provide students with an alternative to the usual drunken tailgate scene, said Melissa Guidry, political science junior and director of student involvement for the group. Students at Battle of the Bands will enjoy music and celebrate Halloween in an alcohol-free environment.He Bleeds Fireman, Leaving Brightside, MeloMania, Prom Date and The Kids in Sandbox will perform.The organization chose to hold Battle of the Bands on Halloween weekend in conjunction with Family Weekend, an event the Office of Orientation is having for students’ families to visit for the weekend.”We thought it was optimal because it was a smaller game, and the main focus is to meet up with Family Weekend,” Guidry said. “More than 1,500 people are coming in for the weekend.” Students On Target expects more than 100 people to show up at Battle of the Bands, but Guidry said there is a concern other weekend activities may interfere. “We don’t know what to expect with Voodoo [Experience],” Guidry said. “We’re hoping passers-by will stop and listen because the talent of the bands is so good.” Each band will have a 20-minute set to perform its best numbers. Judges from local radio stations and music and dramatic arts professors will judge the bands based on stage presence, musicality, crowd participation and overall performance.Students also have a voice in choosing the winner by using a voting card with a student ID to pick a favorite band.
If the judges’ scores tie, the student vote will determine the winner.The winner will receive a 45-minute set as the opening act at Groovin’ on the Grounds in 2010.Twenty bands applied for spots in this year’s Battle of the Bands. After the bands performed at a listening party, each member of the Students On Target committee scored the bands based on musicality and uniqueness. The top five bands were chosen based on their scores.”I’m really excited to hear the bands,” Guidry said. “After the listening party, we picked the top quality and best bands to put on an amazing show.”A costume contest for students will also be held at Battle of the Bands. The winner will receive Tiger Cash and Raising Cane’s gift cards.  Students On Target made many changes to this year’s event, Guidry said. The organization is trying to focus more on promoting its mission, wellness. Pamphlets about student wellness and alcohol will be available at Battle of the Bands. A brief speech on the subject will also be given at the event, Guidry said.Some students are skeptical about their attendance at Battle of the Bands.”I probably won’t go over there,” said Jordan Wilkins, history junior. “There’s other stuff going on during game day. I tailgate with my friends.” Other Halloween activities may hinder the attendance of some students.”I’ll be out late at Carlotta the night before, so it is a possibility,” said Melody To, French junior. “It’s just really early, and I’m worried everyone will be out doing Halloween stuff the night before.”Other students won’t let date or time stray them away from the musical experience.”I definitely plan on showing up,” said Brittni Lajaunie, engineering freshman.–Contact Lindsay Nunez at [email protected]