In Battle of the Bands on Tuesday, six bands performed covers and original songs to have fun and display their talents.

The Last Match is self-taught band whose music is inspired by a punk-blues style.

“We’re inspired by a lot of people,” sophomore and bass player Erik Olsson said. ” Jack White, Kim Deal from the Pixies, and John Lennon are a few.”

Battle of the bands allows students to express themselves and their love for music.

“It allows me to release myself,” sophomore Noe Garcia, bass player for The House Cats, said.” In something other than interpretive dance.”

Members of The Klanks and The House Cats also inspire Garcia.

“I’m inspired by Adam Nelson of the Klanks,” said Garcia,” And by Alex Kinsinger of The House Cats.”

In the end, bands don’t care who gets first place.

“It doesn’t matter who wins,” Nick Raimbault of The Last Match said. ” It’s just for fun.”

This year many people came just to listen to the music, not to support a specific band.

“I didn’t go my freshman year or last year,” junior Caitlen Rowell said.” So I’m going this year to see it.”

However students who attended Battle of the Bands in previous years came to cheer on a specific band.

“I’m here to support Noe,” sophomore Kirsten Norsworthy said. “And The House Cats.”

In the end, the it was the House Cats that emerged as the kings of the open mic.

by Keisha Guice

photos by Shelby Tauber