Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Actual lighters, not just cell phones, burned Saturday night as the audience swayed to Power Planet's nostalgic rendition of "Stairway to Heaven." Reoccurring mosh pits sprung up throughout the dance floor during Man vs. Pillow's set, despite security's best efforts. The 2007 Battle of the Bands showcased young musicians, giving high school students a chance to perform for their peers.

More than 400 people came to the Grand Resort Hotel for Saturday night's event to listen to the area's upcoming musical talent. Battle of the Bands, sponsored by the City of Steamboat Springs Teen Programs, opened entry to the public via radio and newspaper advertisements and flyers. Eight bands answered the call and competed for the top prize, including airtime on KFMU, performance at Mahogany Ridge Brewery, a feature in the Steamboat Pilot & Today's Four Points and a trophy created by the industrial students at Steamboat Springs High School.

"We watched previous years competitions, and it inspired us to play," Anti-Authorized drummer Andrew Kinnecom said Saturday.

Anti-Authorized, comprised of three Steamboat Springs Middle School students, played together for only two weeks before the competition. Anti-Authorized was the youngest band to compete, but impressed the audience and the judges with the maturity of their skill and lyrics.

"It's a cool chance for kids to show their talents," Kinnecom said.

The bands, playing songs ranging from "screamo" (a mix of emo and hardcore punk) to lengthy guitar solos, got time for three songs in each set. Local music gurus, including the 2006 Battle of the Bands winning vocalist Ian Noble, judged the performance. Bands were scored on aspects of performance such as vocals and stage presence.

After each band had its turn, the judges tallied their scores and announced the winner of the 2007 Battle of the Bands: Stealing Outfield. The four members of Stealing Outfield have played together for almost two years, gaining an edge on most of their competition. Stealing Outfield sang two covers and one song of their own to impress the judges and show their skills.

"It feels pretty awesome to win," Stealing Outfield guitarist Michael Stone said Saturday, after the band's encore performance. "We'll definitely travel back to play" at Mahogany Ridge.

Next up for Stealing Outfield includes their prize, playing at Mahogany Ridge and for KFMU, as well as Kremmling Days in mid-June.

"There should be more events like this," guitarist and vocalist Pat Crosby of Stealing Outfield said of Battle of the Bands. "More, more, more."