For the 12th year, young musicians from the Snoqualmie Valley and neighboring towns are jamming away in garages and basements everywhere, gearing up for the Cedarcrest High School Battle of the Bands. The student-music event is 6 to 11 p.m Saturday, April 23. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., tickets are $7. For more information, visit http://chsbattle.info.

Every spring, a dedicated group of students and parents volunteer their time and efforts to organize this event, the year’s biggest fundraiser for RHYTHM (Riverview Helping Youth To Have Music). All funds raised will go toward scholarships, equipment purchases, concert expenses and to otherwise help maximize the musical opportunities for all students in the Riverview School District. Led by the student tech crew of Miles Denison and Erik Mahowald, this will be a true professional rock show, with stage, sound and lighting rivaling local clubs. Six diverse bands are committed to participate.

Felonious Monk, a band comprised of seasoned musicians from Cedarcrest, describe their sound as blending funk, new wave jazz, and bossa nova. Looking for some screaming guitars? We’ve got ‘em, along with the distinctive vocal style of  Kevin Brown from Sammamish, who is bringing a band to the CHS Battle for the 3rd year in a row. His band Xanthem won over the judges with their incredible crowd-stirring metal rock show two years ago to win first place – and it was their first live show ever! This year, he brings his band We, the People; (ear plugs provided at the door).

Cedarcrest has its own hard rock band, My Last Sacrifice (with two members from Woodinville). This newly formed band is led by guitarist Jordan Rutledge, who was  recently seen sporting a Black Sabbath t-shirt and hair that would make Tony Iommi proud. Influenced by classic metal bands from the 80s, their sound also incorporates elements of blues and grunge. And to top it all off, Maddy Hebard adds her soulful lead vocals.

Do you like witty lyricism and vocal harmonies? The Up Downs, an indie alt rock band from Redmond and Woodinville, may be your favorite. Other bands include Mr. An (a beat box band from Cedarcrest), and Sending Signals (post-hardcore from the Eastside).

Sponsors include American Music, Baily’s CC Espresso, Blake’s Pizzeria, Donn Bennett Drums, the Duvall Civic Club, Ground Zero, Hollywood Lighting, Laurel Tree Artisan Gallery, Lazy K’s, Miller’s, Pickle Time, Second Generation Salon, and Top of the Hill Music Studio.

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