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Created with the intent of giving young musicians somewhere to showcase their talents, the Port Alberni Youth Battle of the Bands is a lively event for music lovers to see emerging musical talent from all over Vancouver Island. The artists involved in the event span a wide range of genres and are all under 25 years old. This year the event will take place on May 26th at The Rainbow Room in Port Aberni and is presented by the Zattzoo Project.

Of course, the young musicians are not only playing for exposure and experience; they’re also going to be competing for prize money and the chance to play at the Five Acre Shaker this coming summer. The winning act will get $1000 and a spot at the Five Acre summer event. Second place will take home $500. There will also be another $500 prize up for grabs, which is awarded to the band voted ‘fan favourite’. Five other $100 prizes will be given out as well—best guitar, best bass, best drummer, best singer, and one more category.

Zattzoo Project’s Kim Blake and her son, Dallas Ward, started the event to give young local musicians a venue to play at. Blake tragically lost son, Zakk Cross, in a car accident. Cross was a young musician who often lamented not having anywhere in the Port Alberni area to play. Blake established the event in order to keep young musical talent in the area.

Bands and solo acts who want to take part in the event can now register through the Battle of the Bands Facebook page. Local promoters and event planners will be in attendance, so the acts get some much needed exposure.

If you’re coming in for Battle of the Bands and are looking for accommodation in the Port Alberni area, be sure to check out the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. We are the largest full facility hotel in the area and offer luxurious, yet affordable rooms. 

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