Local bands battle for top spot

Like an old game show where audience participation is key to the outcome, Battle of the Bands crowns its winner much the same way. While an actual clap-o-meter may not be on hand, the winner is determined by the decibel level of the audience reaction. Now in its fourth year, Salem’s Battle of the Bands will pit four local groups against one another as they play for the win in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library on December 5.

With 15-20 minutes in which to wow listeners, each band will play a set of three or four original songs. Laura Tesler, Ward 2 City Councilor, will be on hand to emcee for the second year in a row. Before the contestants take the stage, opening the night will be last year’s winner, rock/pop band Crossing 13th.

The four bands chosen for the night have already survived one selection. Ten bands applied to be in the showcase for this year’s event.

“It was quite a process trying to narrow it down,” Sonja Sommerville, Community Relations Coordinator for the library, said.

Of the bands chosen, a variety of musical genres is present. The Grey Effect, a piano-based pop/rock band, is one the chosen participants. Their debut EP “Steps” has been performed live during their plethora of local shows.

The second band, Record of Life, is a Clackamas-based contemporary Christian rock band. The three-piece band writes and plays their own songs, such as “He Still Loves Me” and “Louder.”

Norman, a folk/rock group, is a collaboration of musicians from around the Willamette Valley. The band was formed initially from the solo career of Eric Nordby.

The final band chosen is the rock-based Sandvig. Led by Mark Sandvig, the group seeks to entertain all ages with their similarity in rock music taste.

Whichever band can make the crowd muster the most cheers and hand clapping will not only win, but play at the show to conclude the 2008/09 library concert series in Loucks Auditorium on April 3 that will be recorded live.

Tickets for Battle of the Bands, which starts at 7 p.m., are $7 at the door or $5 in advance and on sale now at all library circulation desks. Children under 10 can receive free tickets when issued with an adult ticket.

Confluence chorus presents concert

Performing for the capital community on December 13, Confluence Chorus sings its array of holiday numbers as part of its Heart of Seasons concert. Conducted by Artistic Director Ray Elliott and accompanied by Raven Sanders on piano, the concert, held at the First Congregational Church of Salem, begins at 7:30 p.m.

The collection of songs celebrates a myriad of winter holidays. Songs about Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are included in the set. Numbers will include Bruckner’s “Ave Maria” to Donnie Hathaway’s jazzy “This Christmas” to Bernie Reagon’s “Seven Principles.”

Confluence Chorus, an LGBT association, rehearses in Salem, but includes singers from other Oregon cities such as Eugene, Newport, and Portland. The group of approximately 45 singers was founded in 2000.

Tickets for Heart of Seasons are available at the door or from chorus members for $15, or $12 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.confluencechorus.org or call (503) 587-SING.

Choir set to perform annual holiday concert

For the eighteenth year, Willamette Girlchoir offers an annual holiday concert. On December 6 at 3 p.m. the group will present its “Ani Ma’Amin” production.

Held at First United Methodist Church, the concert will showcase local girls from 2nd grade through high school singing in small choirs and en masse under the direction of artistic director Caren Jensen.

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. Doors open at 2:30 and a cookie social will succeed the afternoon concert. For more information, call (503) 370-6383.