Bands Battle for Kids
| Published 12/10/04

Graphic by: Ande Hearn

Cara Odlen, a member of Radford Universityıs orchestra and a member of the Tri-Sigma sorority, along with fellow sister Megan Nelson, organized the Battle of the Bands that took place Dec. 2 in the Heth Ballroom. Tri-Sigma, a sorority involved in a variety of organizations and activities, put on the event to raise money for their National Philanthropy, the Robbie Paige Memorial Fund. The Robbie Paige Memorial Fund was established to support medical research and to develop and support play therapy for hospitalized children.

All of the bands volunteered by signing up at an interest table in Heth Plaza or by e-mailing Odlen after seeing flyers she had posted around the community. Odlen says, "I tried to find a variety of bands that would appeal to everyone on campus."

That she did by signing on Daniel Riddick, a folksy solo artist; The Tobacco Tones; a surfer, rockabilly trio; The Harwell Grice Band, a bluegrass ensemble; two metal bands, Brave New World and Grinding Stone; A Fine Line, an indy-folk trio; and a cover band, Blame James.

Each band played for approximately seven minutes, and a panel of five chose the winner based on crowd response. The metal band Brave New World won first runner-up, and after wowing the crowd with their energy and mastery of songs by bands such as Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blame James was announced the winner. 

The show was a success; many people came out to support Tri-Sigma and their fellow students. Odlen agrees; "I felt this event showed Radford students unifying as a whole, and everyone's main purpose for coming was to donate to a good cause and listen to some talented bands." 

If you missed this Battle of the Bands or if you made it and are looking forward to another, Cara Odlen and Megan Nelson are planning an outdoor battle in the spring. Proceeds will benefit Tri-Sigma's National Philanthropy as well as other non-profit organizations.