Free Rock Concert Features Young Talent

Are you ready to rock, Lutz? 

The Pasco County Library System’s battle of the bands will go down Friday, March 22, and organizers say it’s going to be the best show yet. 

“Rockus Maximus is aimed at teens and above, though everyone is welcome to come,” Teen Services Manager Paul Stonebridge said.

The 16th annual battle, which is staged without taxpayer dollars as a way to raise awareness about the musical arts and libraries gives young acts a chance to perform in a real concert. To compete, the majority of band members must be 21 or younger and have at least two original songs.

The winning band takes home $1,000 in cash and $1,200 worth of professional recording time from Clearwater’s Clear Track Studios.

Lutz-based MBL Trio took home top billings in 2012.

“This is one of the few chances still available to help encourage and support the musical arts among Pasco County's youth,” Stonebridge said.

This year's event at the Rotary Pavilion in Shady Hills features four solo artists playing sets between the eight competing bands, so the music will be pretty much non-stop, Stonebridge said.

One of the library system's long-time teen/college volunteers, Diego Hernandez-Calabria, will open the show for his first ever big concert performance, Stonebridge said.

“And for those who stay until the end to hear the winner, we will have a special guest band, Escape Tonight, playing us out,” he said.

For added entertainment, there will be a 25-by-25 inflatable house with a basketball court, which can accommodate both kids and kids at heart, Stonebridge said.

The video gaming area will be in place again this year as well, featuring the latest in gaming such as Wii U and Dance Central 3 on Xbox Kinect, he said.

“And hey, the standard staples like pizza, snacks, soda, t-shirts, are still good, too,” Stonebridge said. “We have enough music and entertainment to keep anybody happy all evening.”

If You Go:

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 22

Where: The Rotary Pavillion, 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills

Cost: Free; refreshments will be available for purchase

See Also:

Heritage Brings 'Hardcore' Sound to Rockus Maximus

‘The Limelight’ Hopes to Shine at Rockus Maximus

Hang ‘Em High is Ready to Rock

Pasco Invites Bands to Battle

Online Voting Now Open for Rockus Maximus