Two Sarnia-based bands are battling it out for a coveted lineup spot at this summer’s Revelree Music Festival in Canatara Park.
The battle-of-the-bands competition, dubbed, ‘Road to Revelree’ is down to the final four, featuring Sarnia groups ‘Strange Times’ and ‘A Million Ghosts.’ They’re facing off with ‘Excuses Excuses’ from Oshawa, ON., and Kitchener’s Avalon Stone.
All four acts will take the stage for this month’s Road to Revelree finals on Friday, May 10 at Collide Lounge.
“The Road to Revelree has been an incredible journey, showcasing the amazing talent Ontario and the surrounding regions have to offer,” Revelree Entertainment president Scott Palko said of the emerging artist showcase, which boasted four months of preliminary shows featuring talented musicians from across Ontario and into Quebec, and Buffalo, NY.
“One of Revelree’s primary values is promoting and supporting emerging artists, so to see 20 bands take the stage over four months and win over new fans with great performances is the best result we could have hoped for.”
A series of shows were held on the third Friday every month, beginning in January, with a panel of judges and crowd voting to help decide the final four.
Sarnia’s Strange Times — a hard-hitting alternative rock band — were winners of the first showcase in January; the band’s influences range from old-school Motown, to more modern, heavy rock/punk artists, and their debut single ‘Goin’ Out Back’ was released last summer. Members include Ben Holubeshen, Ryan Ethridge, Jared Parke, and Alex Gorton.
In February, alternative/punk rock band 'Excuses Excuses’ won their respective showcase, followed by March winners ‘A Million Ghosts,’ featuring Rob Jenkins (vocals), Mike Martin (guitar), Jason Blain (bass) and rooted by Chris McQuarrie (drums).
Kitchener-based Avalon Stone was named the winner of April’s showcase event.
“With the four winners playing the finals on May 10, I’m sure we are in for a memorable night
of live entertainment,” Palko said, adding that the two winning bands will secure their spot at the Revelree Music Festival, slated for July 19 and 20 at Canatara Park.
They’ll have the chance to share the lineup card with renowned acts the Goo Goo Dolls and The Trews on the Friday of the festival or Brett Young and Gavin DeGraw on the Saturday of the event.
The Road to Revelree Finals will place at Collide Lounge on Friday, May 10. For information and tickets, visit www.roadtorevelree.com and for Revelree Music Festival details and tickets, please visit www.revelreemusicfestival.com.