Interest from musicians lacking

The United Way of Freeborn County’s Battle of the Bands slated for later this month has been canceled due to lack of participation.

The event sought to attract bands from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa on July 12 at the Edgewater Park Bandshell.

“I think it could have been a cool event,” said Amanda Irvine, marketing and communications specialist for the United Way of Freeborn County. “It could have been a great opportunity for the community to come out and hear a variety of music.”

Irvine said no area bands signed up to participate. The event would have had three featured bands not battling for a title, including Minneapolis-based Immoralis and Bear Rag.

In light of it being the Beatles’ 50th anniversary, the organization had requested the local bands sing a Beatles tribute song, an Eddie Cochran tribute and an original song.

First prize would have won time in a recording studio and production of CDs, two paid gigs and $500 in cash. Second prize was one paid gig and $100 in cash and various prizes.

Irvine said the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council awarded a grant for the event, but the grant had to be returned.

She hoped there might be more interest in it in the future and noted that Merle Krause with Marshall Street Music has said he is supportive of making it happen.

The United Way of Freeborn County last hosted the Battle of the Bands in 2012.