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Irvine’s Battle of the Bands Returns After Hiatus

Local bands showcased their talent at the Battle of the Bands in Irvine, supporting a noble cause.

News Summary

The annual Battle of the Bands in Irvine made its return after a five-year break due to the pandemic, featuring local teen performers and fundraising for the American Cancer Society. Six bands competed, with ‘Head Wide Open’ taking home the top honor. The event, run by the High School Youth Action Team, successfully engaged the community through music and charity, drawing a lively crowd eager to support their favorite bands and contribute to a worthy cause.

Irvine – The annual Battle of the Bands in Irvine has made its long-awaited return after a five-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This beloved contest, featuring local teens, serves as a vibrant fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and took place at the Heritage Park Community Center on Saturday, drawing a lively crowd and showcasing the immense talent of youth in the area.

This year, six bands competed for the coveted title, with Head Wide Open emerging as the winner. The competition allowed each band to perform for up to 25 minutes, featuring a mix of popular covers and original songs that spanned genres from progressive metal to ’90s grunge. Judges awarded Head Wide Open top honors based on their crowd response, stage presence, musical talent, and originality during their performances, which included popular covers of songs by Pearl Jam and Sublime alongside original compositions.

The event was organized by the High School Youth Action Team, a group that has taken the lead in organizing the Battle of the Bands since the 1990s. Their dedication to youth involvement in community service is notable, as they have also been active participants in the Relay for Life event for over two decades, significantly contributing to fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society.

In addition to the musical contest, various snacks and activities were available during the event, helping to generate additional funds for the cancer fight. The enthusiasm among attendees was palpable, as families and friends gathered to support their favorite bands and contribute to a noble cause.

This year’s lineup included the bands: Pelargoniums, Eastla, 25 After Midnight, Groundwire, Chaos Theory, and the champions, Head Wide Open. Each band performed a dynamic set, thrilling the audience and showcasing the diverse musical abilities present within Irvine’s youth.

The members of Head Wide Open consist of Ben Agran (guitar, bass, and vocals), Deven Dhanidina (guitar and bass), Christian Liang (guitar and bass), and Connor Paxton (drums). Their victory has gifted them with future performance opportunities, including a slot at the Great Park Live event on May 3 and an appearance on KUCI 88.9 FM radio later this summer.

Steve Knollmiller, the Community Services supervisor for high school youth outreach in Irvine, expressed pride in the continuation of this long-standing tradition, particularly after the interruptions caused by the pandemic. The return of the Battle of the Bands not only highlights the talents of local teens but also strengthens community bonds through collaborative efforts aimed at fighting cancer.

Previously, the Battle of the Bands was notable for featuring various up-and-coming artists. One such past participant includes the band The Jakes, who went on to achieve fame as the band Young the Giant between 2005 and 2007. This legacy adds a layer of importance and aspiration for young musicians participating in this year’s event.