On Oct. 26 the Programs Activity Council (PAC) hosted Battle of the Bands, an event that showcased local talent and artistry, which kicked off the Homecoming event week.
Local bands competed while PAC and a few professional staff members determined which band would move on. The winning band got to perform at the annual Homecoming bonfire on Friday.
Included in the bands that came to represent community music were rock-and-roll and Latin groups. The lineup for the evening featured This Year, Pigs of Iron, AP Rock, Late Night 5 and Los Chavalones del Rancho.
AP Rock consisted of Jake and Johnny Thompson, two brothers and members of the campus student body. Jake was the lead vocalist and keyboardist, while Johnny was on drums. Austin Berry and Micah Nichols, who are still in high school, were vocalists and bassists. The group performed classic rock sets and did an encore per the audience’s request.
The fourth band, Late Night 5, met just a week prior to the event and managed to take the crown. Izzy Burns and Sydnee Longoria were the two lead vocalists; brothers Charles Reilly and Max Railly were on drums and piano while Ryan Bresnig was on bass. Their set included “Jessie’s Girl” and “Valerie.” They performed an original song titled “Guessing Game” as well on Youtube.
“It has been such a pleasure to collaborate with such talented musicians. I had no idea this is what it would lead to but I am so thankful and shocked,” Longoria, who just transferred here from Colorado State University, said.
Late Night 5 won the event and performed their set in front of the bonfire.
