AVALANCHE WINS "BATTLE OF THE BANDS!!!!"
GOLDSBORO-BASED BAND TO OPEN FOR 2007 "ROCKIN' RIBFEST" HEADLINER
AVALANCHE took First Place at the Battle of the Bands at the "Rockin RibFest" in Union Grove, NC, Friday, May 12th, entertaining the crowd and the judges with their best country tunes! The grand prize was $500 in cash, a HUGE trophy, and a goody bag full of terrific prizes for all seven members. Special thanks to drummer, Donnie Tittle for working so hard to help us get to the competition.
"A great big "THANK YOU" to all the volunteers and stage managers who helped backstage before, during and after the "Battle." The "Rockin' RibFest" organizers provided all the bands with food, drink, and any assistance necessary. Everyone was incredibly supportive, including the other band members. This couldn't have been a better experience for AVALANCHE!
"I wasn't at all sure that we would take first place, especially after hearing the last group," band leader, Kerry d'Hemecourt, said. "They were an extremely good, tight band with a great, country sound. The first band was good, too, so although I went in with confidence, this was not an easy competition."
Singer Christy Ballance said, "Though we did a great job up there, I was getting ready to hear our names called for second place. Rocky Shelton's group was fantastic." Singer Tina Seldin Cash felt the same way. "I was preparing myself for the worst, knowing it would be close. What a rush when we realized we'd won!" she said. "It took a team effort, and this is a great band. Everyone gives 110% and it works," said bass player and vocalist, Rodger Giasson.
But the best was yet to come. The biggest surprise came when organizers announced that, along with the First Place honors, AVALANCHE was invited back next year to open for the big-name country act they bring in to headline at the 2007 "Rockin' RibFest" Saturday night concert!!!!
The event, sponsored by country radio station WFMX, kicked off the annual "ROCKIN' RIBFEST" to benefit the Dove House Children's Advocay Center in Statesville. Each of three bands --- chosen from applications/CD's/videos that were mailed in --- played 45-minute sets. The two other bands were excellent and the judges say they had a very difficult time choosing the best group. Bands were judged by song choices, musical ability, vocals, song presentation, and stage presence. PHOR-PLAY took Third Place, and ROCKY YELTON AND THE HIRED GUNS took Second Place.
Rockin' RibFest is the major annual fundraising event for Dove House Children's Advocacy Center, serving sexually abused children throughout Iredell County, North Carolina.
Presnted by VanHoy Farms
