Bands do battle

By John Redmond

For the next four weeks Rocky Mountain Tavern (RMT) a Canadian bar in Itaewon will host another one of its popular Battle of the Bands series beginning Nov. 25.

Now in its sixth year of hosting these events ― first beginning with the Acoustic Showdown ― this free evening of rock music has become a popular stop on the live music circuit in Seoul.

Each evening’s entertainment will begin at 9:30 p.m. and feature an electric set from the LRD Band, followed by the start of the bands heats from 10:30 p.m. till late.

Each band will be given a one-hour set with only one band going through to the finals. There will also be one “Wild Card” band that will advance to the next round. This band will be determined by points.

A Battle of the Bands is a contest in which many bands compete for the title of "best band." The winner is determined by a panel of judges, the general response of the audience, or a combination of both.

LRD frontman Lance Reegan-Diehl will also work as a sound engineer for the events.

Speaking on what to expect he said: “Often there will be a blending of vastly different genres.

“With these kind of nights it often comes down to the wire as it’s right down to the last night as to what band is going to win.”

“There’s a lot of talent out there and this is stacking up to be a good competition.”

The lineup for Nov. 25 is 10:30 p.m. ― Naughty Ajeossi; 11:30 p.m. ― The Dirty 30’s; 12:30 a.m. ― The Borgnines; and 1:30 a.m. ― The Hunger Tree.

Prizes include a Samick guitar, Olympia strings and straps, and DEELEEBOB Studio rehearsal time.

To get to RMT from Itaewon station (Line 6), exit 3, it takes about 5 minutes.

Walk straight from the exit and cross the street at the intersection, walk past the fire station and the gas station. Once you come to the stairs on your right, Buy-the-Way and International Clinic on your left, RMT is the second building on the right, past the stairs on the second floor so look for the totem pole entrance and go up the stairs.

The Battle of the Bands will be held on the upper level.