The Rock And Roll Rumble might be over (props again, Goddamn Draculas) and the SonicBids contest to play Boston Calling has concluded (one love, the Box Tiger), but there’s still one last round in our city’s never-ending network of bands battling it out against each other. This time, the grand prize up for grabs is a slot at Radio 92.9 FM’s EarthFest this Saturday at the Hatch Shell.
This year’s free, all-ages event has a bit more modern lineup after Radio 92.9 went heavy on the ’90s alt-rock legacy acts in previous years (Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, Spin Doctors, and Third Eye Blind have all passed through town recently). On tap for Saturday are Neon Trees, the Wailers (No Bob Marley, he’s busy), Small Pools and Morning Parade, with one last slot open to a rising Boston act.
That band will be chosen Wednesday night at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston as Radio 92.9 hosts a friendly battle of the bands to determine the winner.
Full disclosure: I’m one of the judges, joining a panel that includes Sylvia Cunha of Vanyaland partner site Do617, and the dudes from Gentlemen Hall. The battle is free and open to the public, and starts at 7 p.m. We have no doubt the Bruins-Canadiens Game 7 will be screening on the televisions as God intended it.
Here’s a preview of the bands, listed in order of their appearance Wednesday night…
7:30 to 7:50 p.m.: Big Bad Bobby and the Shoe Horns [fan vote]
8:05 to 8:25 p.m.: We Were Astronauts
8:40 to 9 p.m.: The Naked Stills
9:15 to 9:35 p.m.: The Venetia Fair
9:50 to 10:10 p.m.: Arms and Ears
