February 6, 2008
Waiting for Decay wins the CHC Battle of the Bands
The Crafton Hills College Battle of the Bands went off without a hitch.
The show featured four performers (three bands and a solo artist) at the Performing Arts Center on campus Saturday, Feb. 2.
Solo artist Jack Price opened the event playing various instruments including the use of a looper. Price did not compete in the battle, but easily could have. The small crowd at the start of the show clapped and hollered, commenting to each other about the musician's talents.
Alternative rock band Waiting for Decay opened the battle followed by rock bands Crost and Hangar 45.
CHC Associated Students, along with radio station X103.9, presented the much anticipated rock concert.
X103.9's Steve and Adam were the MCs as well as two of the five judges. The others were yours truly, and CHC professors Tom Bryant and Steve Hellerman.
After all of the bands performed their 45-minute sets the winner was quickly announced. But it was close.
Waiting for Decay won the battle, taking home a $500 gift card to Guitar Center and an opportunity to be showcased in the "Local Band Spotlight" on X103.9.
“It was an amazing night,” said CHC student Brittany Marano-Haraughty. “The bands rocked out at the PAC. The stage performance by ‘Hangar45’ and the crowd participation were great. ‘Waiting for Decay’ was also amazing, and I’m glad they won.”
As a rule of eligibility to perform in the concert, each band was required to have at least one member who is a current CHC student or alumni. Two of the three bands had multiple CHC alumni.
Each band was worthy, but it was the song “Savannah” that won the judges over for the band “Waiting for Decay.”
“Waiting for Decay” lead singer DeWayne Clifton tore off his shoes and socks on stage and belted out the rock ballad, “Savannah.” The song was written by Clifton and fellow band members, Dace Pearson, Aaron Bright, James Cottrell, and Mike Zepol. It is a song written about Clifton’s niece who passed away at the young age of two years.
“Her name was Savannah Rose,” said Clifton. “The lyrics include, I have to watch you go where I can’t follow.”
“A concert for ten bucks,” said patron Rick Johnson. “Crafton did a pretty good job. I would definitely come back again.”
“It was fantastic,” said CHC Director of Student Life Ericka Paddock, who is an advisor to the AS government. “We had a great time. We look forward to doing it again.”
The concert was made possible by the CHC AS, who tirelessly worked for over six months on the show. Everything, from the programs to the unique staff t-shirts, were designed by the Associated Students.
“I’ve done event management before at large venues, and the level of professionalism exhibited by our students rivals anything I’ve seen,” Paddock said.
“We did a lot of work and the bands were amazing,” said AS Social Co-chair Breanne Gonzalez
Recent awards for Waiting for Decay include the Best Alternative Rock Band 2007-Inland Empire Music Awards, and Rock City’s Inland Empire Band of the Year for 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Posted by Darcie Flansburg at 1:26 PM | Comments (0)