At Tanks Memorial Stadium Sept.

Friday, September 10, 1999

At Tanks Memorial Stadium Sept. 25, area rock ‘n’ roll bands will face off for a shot at $500 and eight hours of recording studio time.

And when the final performance ends, Ironton High School Band Boosters hope to be a little closer to one of their goals for the new millennium, booster president Jeff Massie said.

"The kids are wearing uniforms that are more than 6 years old, and although we try to take very good care of the uniforms, they are getting a bit worn," he said. "We wanted them to be able to start out the new millennium in brand new uniforms. They also need some new instruments and a few other items."

It’s not too late for an area rock band to grab a slot in the big battle, but time, and space, is running out.

With three slots open in the rapidly-filling contest, Massie said he hopes to see a full house, not only on the stage, but in the stands as well.

"Last year, we had some people in the audience who thought this was a marching band competition, so they were disappointed," Massie said. "This year, we’re trying to get the word out so more people who would really enjoy this sort of thing will know about it and hopefully come out and support us. It’s a good time."

This year marks the second such competition sponsored by the boosters. Massie said he hopes the second time around will go more smoothly than the first.

"We have better prizes this year, and the sound is being professionally handled by Mondo Audio out of Huntington, W.Va.," he said. "They will handle the house sound, microphones, stands and monitors."

Bands already scheduled include, but are not limited to, Calliope, Ambition’s Ladder, who won the IronMaster Days band contest, Wit’s End, Edge of Destruction and Solitude.

Admission is $3 at the gate, and the event is sponsored by Papa John’s Pizza and Nevada Hart Productions. The first band is scheduled to take the stage at 1 p.m.

For residents who are interested in attending a band competition with a little more classic beat, the boosters also will host the Buckeye Marching Band Classic Sept. 18. There is no admission charge for this event, and bands are tentatively scheduled to begin performing at 11 a.m.

Proceeds from both events will benefit the Ironton High School marching band.

"We try to take very good care of the kids," Massie said, explaining that the boosters are responsible for paying for transportation to and from all games and competitions, as well as providing them with uniforms and any other necessities. "The uniforms will cost around $40,000, and that is about average. But these are good kids, they work hard and they deserve to have this."

To make a donation, or for more information about either competition, contact Massie at 532-4384.