On Saturday, June 30, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Rainbow Harbor Amphitheater, five of Southern California’s most respected tribute bands will perform in head–to–head competition for $3,500 in cash prizes and tribute fame at Summer And Music’s (SAM) fourth annual Battle of the Tribute Bands.
On the bill for three rounds of rock ‘n’ roll combat: Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles) Joshua Tree (U2), Debaser (The Pixies), The Iron Maidens (an all female tribute to Iron Maiden) and The Petty Breakers (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers).
Performances will be held outdoors along the waterfront in Rainbow Harbor Amphitheater, located at 330 S. Pine Avenue, just south of Shoreline Drive, from 1:00-6:00 p.m. The event is free and welcomes all ages.
Battle of the Tribute Bands 2012
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“These bands and their music represent something significant to us,” said Ashley Hectus, SAM Coordinator. “They remind us of a special time in our lives. Everyone has a blast—the audience, the staff, the musicians – and there’s plenty of dancing and singing. Having the chance to weigh in on the judging really appeals to the audience too.”
Tribute bands will compete in a first round elimination process at the behest of three local celebrity judges: The Press Telegram’s columnist Tim Grobaty, Mark Dunton, owner of East Village’s hot spot District Wine and La Strada Italian Restaurant’s matriarch Lisa Ramelow.
After a brief intermission the judges will announce the top three contenders. Third place is awarded $500. To decide who will be crowned the tribute champion, the top two bands will compete once again. A decibel reading of the crowd’s applause will determine who walks away with $1,000 for second prize and who will reign supreme, taking the $2,000 grand prize.
Showcasing a renewed focus on environmental concerns, SAM founding members, in conjunction with The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) and City of Long Beach Development Services are partnering with leading clean energy provider Green Mountain Energy in an attempt to make this a carbon neutral event.
Alternative transportation to the event is encouraged, with several public transit options offered by Long Beach Transit. Members of local cycling advocacy group Long Beach Cyclists will also be offering free bike valet parking throughout the day.
