This past Friday, the Gryphon Theater raged with excitement as it hosted the second annual Battle of the Bands. Music lovers lined up at the doors, eager to hear five of Laramie’s top bands compete for the grand prize—a slot at one of Wyoming’s largest music festivals, WhatFest, alongside professional studio time to record their music.
Organized by Aaron King, the event showcased a diverse lineup ranging in genres from blues to indie rock. Audience members cast their votes upon entering, with additional votes available through purchasing beverages and snacks. “There is nothing I like more than building a community of music,” King said, adding, “As an events promoter, building a community is what makes more events happen. The reason I do the battle of the bands is when there is an incentive, more bands will do it. And then we have more music and bands in Laramie, which benefits everyone.”
As the night progressed, the crowd was swept off their feet by the soulful blues of The Deacon Brown Band and the rock ‘n’ roll energy of Timothy John and The Crossroads. The Calico Boys brought a new flavor with their groovy surf-rock sound filling the room, while The Athletics captivated the audience with a soulful voice that pierced right through them. WAHB closed the set with sweet melodies that resonated with the audience long after his final note.
Prizes for second and third place included varying amounts of gift cards to 2nd Street Deli, while all audience members received a free cookie coupon upon attendance.
After the sets were finalized, the votes were tallied backstage by King and his co-organizer, Alex Soveroski. Everyone eagerly waited to find out who would take home the grand prize. First place winners, The Athletics, also took home a trophy in the shape of a golden gryphon, a nod to the theater hosting the event. The trophy was presented by last year’s winner, Cicada Summer, an indie-rock band originating in Laramie, Wyoming.
“It doesn’t matter if what you’re doing is seen by two people or a million, art is art no matter how many people see it. If no one had seen the Mona Lisa, it’d still be the Mona Lisa,” said front man of The Athletics, Broghan Foster. With a sound that is sure to get stuck in your head, make sure to check out their next show. The band will be playing in Fort Collins on April 19.
