Page 4 Common Man does uncommonly well at Behrend's Battle of the Bands by Michael Gettleman Collegian Staff Writer A band from Jamestown, Nev, York, Including a Behrend student on drums, surpassed four other bands in last weekend's "Battle of the Bands." The decision was based on sound quality and stage prescence. Rain didn't dampen the spirits of those involved with the fourth annual "Battle of. the Bands." "Friction" .was headlining this musical field day, but for the bands o:ciM:peting, a serious gi - Od prize of 30Q was-affsilike. With the stage - Moved to the friendly confines of the Wintergreen Theater, this festival of fresh music began. The first band fo _appear was the "Funri Band" from Oil City. This four-man band demonstrated a great deal of ability:as members traded instruments and three performers sang lead during their six song set. They even threw in a little choreography during "The Hippy Hippy Shake". Unfortunately, being the first band to perform, they didn't have too much of a crowd. This proved to hurt their overall performance. The second act, "Common Man" from Jamestown, N.Y., w ; ~.<~ . r. ~~~ ~m MEM ROTC Rangers recruit On Monday, September 11, the Behrend ROTC Ranger Club held a demonstration for over- forty perspective new members. The demonstration featured an ambush, followed by the tactical rope bridge crossing over a nearby stream. The team was led by squad leader Dana Grudzien, and team leaders Andy Zimmer and Larry Corr. The rest of the team consisted of cadets Tony DeMarco, Mark Kloock, Mike DeMarco, offered a unique sound to the competition. Backed by a solid rhythm section highlighted by Behrend student Michael Sudul on drums, they drew the cvcr growing crowd out to the dance floor. This four-man, one woman band did only one cover tune and that was from another Jamestown band, 10,000 Maniacs, with "Eat for Two". Another crowd pleaser was when keyboardist/singer Michele Mervin on "I Need a Man" taunted the audience with orgasmic-like tones, on her knees at center stage. With almost all original music, this band drew heavy acclaim from the judges. The next band was a local favorite, "ICE 9." This Butler based band really got the crowd rockin'. Guitarist Brian Kriley dazzled the audience with his guitar ability and singer/kcyboardist Ron Cehelsky was jamming from their opening number, "Cult of Personality" to their close with "Old Time Rock & Roll". They also played "YYZ", an instrumental piece performed with great dexterity. The fourth band consisted of Behrend students calling themselves "East 30 Road Pak." These three guys took the stage Todd Everett, and Mark Rayburg. Some of the perspective members also fired M-16's, and the M-60 automatic machine gun. They also had a chance to hook up and cross the stream over the rope bridge. Interested students can go to the ROTC office, located on the lower level of the Glenhill Farmhouse, at 5:30 pm any Monday afternoon and talk to the Ranger Club commander. and, to the surprise of most in the audience, played a 15-minute original piece. This song was all instrumental and had a full, rich sound containing some powerful drum solos by Tim Bartels. Throughout the many tempo changes, they maintained a high level of intensity in their first ever performance. The final competing band was "French Maide." They opened with some overwhelming power which left most of the crowd somewhat comatose. They settled down a bit to the popular covers "18 and Life" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap". Their heavy sound even came through on their final number, "Rock N' Me". Their rhythm section, made up of drummer Ray Moffit and bassist Mike Dcaux, remained very strong throughout the set. Of these competing bands, "Common Man" took first place followed closely by "Ice 9." The headlining act was "Friction," and they didn't let their standing room only crowd down. Their first set consisted of some cover tunes as well as their own "Charity Ball" and "Raise a Little Hell". Most notable in this set was their playfulness with the audience. photo by Audrey Acosta The Behrend Collegian's editorial opinion is determined by the editor, with the editor holding final responsibility. Opinions expressed in the Collegian are not necessarily those of the Behrend Collegian or the Pennsylvania State University. Letter Policy: The Bchrend Collegian encourages letters on news coverage, editorial content and university affairs. Letters should be typewritten, double-spaced and signed by no more than two persons. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. Letters should,include the semester and major of the writer. All letters should provide the address and phone number of the writer for verification of the letter. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for length and to reject letters if they are libelous or do not conform to standards of good taste. Postal Information: The Behrend Collegian (898-6488) is published weekly by the students of the Behrend College; The Reed Union Building, Station Road, Erie, Pa 16563. The Collegian Wednesday, September 20, 1989 By their 6pm set, the group was ready to send this forth annual event out with a bang. They began with "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love" and overcame parking tickets to do an interesting medley of "Dazed and Confused/Riders of the Storm". To the young Amanda in the audience, they performed "Baby Talk" and also a unique duct of "All Right Now." Their closing number was a powerful rendition of "Crazy Train" which could easily be heard throughout the photo by Audrey Acosta Friction heats up the RUB durring Sunday's SPC/JRC sponsored Battle of the Bands. =EI Editorial Policy Friction campus The afternoon was a rock and roll, victory. Said organizer Whitney Hoffacker, "We had wanted to get some bands together and have some fun. It was hard work but it was worth it. "Getting "Friction" here was special. They really drew in the folks from Behrend and Eric, not to mention the bands participating." The day was a success for the SPC and all those involved. headlines 11103 s kz • ;';44