Ellington

Staff Report

Eighteen ensembles have advanced to the finals in the Battle Creek Battle of the Bands in South Pittsburg, Tenn., this weekend.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m. today and Saturday EDT for semifinal and final rounds. Bands are competing for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.

The grand-prize winner will receive studio recording time in Muscle Shoals, Ala., $500 cash and a $2,000 gift card. That band also will headline the Road Rash Biker Bash Saturday night.

Bands will be judged on technical performance, stage presence, sound quality and crowd reaction.

In addition to the judges' decision of prize winners, a fan favorite will be chosen.

The battleground is Martin Springs Farm, 8700 Battle Creek Road (take Exit 143 off I-24).

Spectator admission is $10, free for ages 12 and younger.

For more information, call Muddy Bottom Promotions in Hixson at 645-5962 or visit www.muddybottompromotions.net.

BANDS IN CONTENTION

4 Seven Six

Abby Small

Attilla and The Huns

Bastard Fish

Black Friday

Hwy. 41 Blues Band

Evervigilant

Furious Primate

The Fuze

Howdy Joe Get'm

Infinite Orange

Keele Band

Opposite Box

Selfserve

Speedball Alice

Too Far Gone South

Turncoat Conspiracy

Unchained