Battle of Bands Sunday to benefit Oshawa youth drop-in centre

It’s a Battle of the Bands Sunday in downtown Oshawa, with 13 bands showing off their passion, talent and energy for a chance at a $1,000 grand prize at the BOND|ST Event Centre.

Many of the bands at the show are already battle-ready with plenty of professional gigs under their belts, such as Wolves on Tape and Far From Infamy, while a few others are hoping to break into the business. Collectively, they are a showcase for Oshawa and Durham Region’s vibrant music scene and are promising an electrifying day of live music and fierce competition.

The rockstars will be doing their best to win over the crowd and the judges but the event is also about far more than just the music, with all proceeds being donated to The Refuge, a drop-in center dedicated to supporting homeless, hurting, and hungry youth aged 26 and under with programs that help meet basic needs, inspire transformation and teach homelessness prevention.

“Giving back is very important. As a local musician most of our support comes through our city. That’s why we’re always excited every time a promoter decides to include a local charity as part of the show,” said Far From Infamy guitarist and co-founder Matt Goulet. “The Refuge is a great cause helping combat homelessness in the community.”

Far From Infamy, a female-fronted rock band formed during the COVID lockdown in early 2020, is also in it to win it and will be looking to get their hands on the grand prize.

“There is a lot of tough competition but our music is built for shows like this,” Goulet said. “We have curated a diverse, energetic and completely original set list that will leave lasting impressions on the crowd and judges. Whether we win or lose, the goal is to entertain and raise money for a good cause.”

Other bands at the show include Blamethrower, Dead Silence, Dusk Before Dawn, Free Under Fire, Justice Kumari & The Jahciples, JACS, Life of Exile, Maitreva, Radium, Sydney Riley and Visions of Morpheus.

Durham Region Battle of the Bands will kick off at 2 p.m. Sunday with tickets at $23.15.

BOND|ST Event Cantre in downtown Oshawa