Contestants sought for Battle of the Bands

HOPATCONG — The Hopatcong Municipal Alliance is looking for local bands to play in an upcoming Battle of the Bands, a Stand with Hopatcong Against Drugs and Alcohol Event. Participating bands will play at Hopatcong High School on Oct. 7 and compete for the grand prize - a recording session at a Hopatcong studio worth $1,500. The event supports the mission of the Hopatcong Municipal Alliance, which encourages teens and young adults to attend a fun night out without drugs or alcohol. The event is free for the public and is an opportunity for local middle, high school and college bands to showcase their talents The cost for bands to participate is $25 and the winning band will get a 12-hour ultimate recording experience at the Barber Shop Studios in Hopatcong. The recording session will be held with professional equipment like a 72 channel SSL XL 9000k series console, as well as professional engineers, assistants and interns. Second and third place cash prizes will also be awarded. Judges of the event include Earl Cohen, whose discography includes releases by Tina Turner and Will Smith; Mark Salamone, president of Barber Shop Studios; and a special surprise guest. In addition, the MC of the event will be Peter Menkin, a passionate speaker and 20-plus years recovering drug and alcohol addict whose contagious enthusiasm motivated students at last year’s Battle of the Bands. Bands are eligible if all members are between the ages of 12 and 20. To participate, contact Valerie Quinn at 973-202-6496 or valrose2@optonline.net.