The Legendary Dobbs to Host Battle of the Bands; Proceeds to Charity

Green Day, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Bo Diddley, The Smashing Pumpkins, Soul Asylum, Rage Against The Machine, The Offspring.

These are names that have graced the stage at J.C. Dobbs, now The Legendary Dobbs. Located on South St. in Philadelphia, this club–which opened its doors in 1974–has changed hands and names a few times, but always maintained a steady lineup of live bands notable for above-average talent.

Dobbs is hosting Music-a-Live! every Tuesday in May, which will see a high-profile band battle with a hefty prize package that includes studio time at one of several top-flight Philadelphia studios, a sit-down with major management and the chance to be considered by Wiseman Records.

There are a lot of band battles, so what makes this one different?

Let me expound on that theme a bit. First, and possibly most important, is the fact that this event is sponsored by CBS Outdoor, Mike Tarsia Recording, Rena Sinakin Productions, Milkboy Recording, M Sound Audio Recording, Junction Music, The Mastering House, Masterwork Recording, Lloyd Zane Remick- Zane Management, Jim Thorpe Productions and The Legendary Dobbs–just to start.

The publicity and anticipation will be high. Secondly, none of these prizes are in the least exploitative–you get to keep the rights to your song when it is recorded, and no one wants anything in return except to congratulate you and take you further.

This event will also raise money for charity, which I hope for many will be the most important feature. Public schools in Philadelphia, South Jersey and beyond are having trouble maintaining strong music programs. Instruments, teachers: It all takes money, and there isn’t enough to go around. All proceeds from Music-a-live! will be funneled into that noble cause.

The judges’ panel will critique each band, Idol-style, after their performances. This panel will feature, in part: veteran producer Rena Sinakin, Grammy-winning engineer and mix-master Mike Tarsia, Solomon Silber of Wiseman Records and bassist to the stars Gary Van Scyoc.

Other judges will be announced closer to the event, and this writer has a suspicion that there will be surprises in store for all of the entrants.

Speaking of entrants, I suppose I should come right out and tell you–I’m entering this contest. So if you are a competing band, good luck, and if you’re just a music lover, come out and support The Michael Chance Band (that being my alias, after all) as we go head-to-head with Philly’s best. We’ll see you there.

To enter or ask for more information, you are asked to email Music_a_live_Philly@yahoo.com. Contestants must be 18 or older and available for all dates. There can be no prerecorded tracks; this event is for live music only. There can be no covers played.