There were flashes of green and black on St. Patrick’s Day at the Montgomery World Plaza as local acts took part in the Battle of the Bands.
Each week, the Battle of the Bands showcases the talents of local rock groups, giving them the chance to open for the Freakfest 2005 music festival.
On the bill this particular night were Exithead, Just Plain Morning and Grammercy Riff. Local punk group, The Filthies, also performed as a special guest.
It was the competing, though, that received much of the attention. Kernville band, Exithead, kicked off the battle.
Just added to the show at the last minute, Exithead pulled in a crowd to listen to its hard rock sound. Perhaps the band was just warming the crowd up for what was to happen later that night.
Just Plain Morning followed as the crowds began to flood in more. The band kept the same momentum as Exithead, playing a heavier sound and causing some spectators to attempt moshing.
This was all happening as Just Plain Morning played until sweat drenched their faces.
It was Grammercy Riff, however, that won the Battle of the Bands. When asked if the right band had won, fan Nicole Chavez said, “I’ve seen these guys play a lot,” said Chavez, 18. “It’s good that they’re being recognized like this.”
Grammercy Riff will now compete in the semifinals, which start Thursday night. The finals, themselves, will start just weeks before Freakfest, which why the bands are really competing.
The winner of the Battle of the Bands could receive a spot to open for already famous Bakersfield band, Adema.
Meanwhile, locally famous punk band, The Filthies, managed to steal some of the show. At one point, they even managed to pull out an Irish flute during their set to help top off St. Patrick’s Day festivities.