The First Annual Battle of the Bands, a showcase for homegrown original talent, has continued throughout the summer - for 12 weeks, at J.D. McGillicuddy's in Drexel Hill and is almost over.
Delaware County's version of "Last Band Standing" started with a field of 32 hopeful local bands in June.

After paying a $50 entry fee, four bands per Saturday night competed - with winners from each week advancing to the semi-finals.
This Saturday night the elite eight will advance to the finals in this winner-take-all rock 'n' roll cage match. One band will be selected for $1,000 cash, 20 hours of digital studio time, and, of course, all the publicity that comes with being a winner.

Bands are judged on a strict 100-point system including stage presence, musicianship, audience response, lead singer charisma, and number of bodies they put on barstools.
It's a grassroots marketing effort that is paying off for local original bands. " This contest is forcing bands to promote themselves because they are judged [in part] by the people they bring in," says Jay Joseph, president of jni Entertainment, which is running the event. "It also gives the original music scene a chance to shine."

A non-partisan panel of judges made up of local music aficionados scores the weekly performances but audience participation can sway the judges. It's definitely a popularity contest.
Anthony Caroto, publisher of "Origivation" - a local music scene magazine, doesn't necessarily see the Battle of the Bands as just competition. "This business is all about networking and meeting new people. In addition, I think the regular patrons at Delaware County venues enjoy the variety."
And variety it is, from the smooth fusion sound of Havertown's Pale Reason, the hard-driving rock of Aston's 3-man powerhouse, Throttle, and the head-banging, hair-twirling, fist-throwing metal musings of Upper Darby's The Return. " They're loud, fast, and just good," says self-admitted Throttle groupie Vince Aiello, 23, of Brookhaven. Throttle vocalist Ryan Schurman, already feels like a winner. " It's given us the experience of playing in front of a crowd," says the 22-year-old Aston resident. "And we also got to meet and listen to other musicians which was nice."
The Return's charismatic lead singer Kurt McClellan, 22, of Upper Darby says the competition is like playing at home. "We bring out a lot of people out and its always a good time to play for your friends. And after listening to other bands it's definitely given us a style to call our own."
A standing room-only crowd on a recent Saturday night at J.D. McGillicuddy's was proof that local rock scene is alive and loud in Delaware County. For all the bands involved it appears as a win-win situation: the opportunity to meet other players, perform in front of enthusiastic crowds and maybe pick up a few more fans along the way.

If you go: The Battle of the Bands 2003 finale takes place on Saturday, August 23 at J.D. McGillicuddy's, 690 Burmont Road in Drexel Hill. Showtime: 9:45 p.m. Bands scheduled to perform include Soul Plane, Bitter Self, The Return, and Downshift.
For more information call 610-394-6499 or contact jni Entertainment at 610-626-4476.