Gates Restaurant is celebrating 5-years of championing local music and raising funds for Meals on Wheels, New Canaan – in 2023 they presented a check for $4.3k. This highly charged production consists of 4-weekly heats and an electrifying final, hosted by radio presenter Jon Kamal. Produced by Rock Paper Scissors Custom Events, it is generously sponsored by Karl Chevrolet and CycleBar, Stamford. The competition is fierce, and it attracts talented bands and music lovers from all over Fairfield County.
Weekly heats see two bands play a one-hour set, at the end of both sets the audience collectively cheer for who they want to put through to the final. Emcee Jon Kamal will then get the final say based on song choice, energy, interaction, talent, and crowd screams. Following are the 2024 bands, including 4 finalists from 2023.
- Saturday, Jan. 6th Pretty Nasty (8pm) v Captain Obvious (9:30pm)
- Saturday, Jan. 13th Retro Express (8pm) v Mind the Gap (9:30pm)
- Saturday, Jan 20th The Leftovers (8pm) v Herman & Co (9:30pm)
- Saturday, Jan 27th Dead Weight (8pm) v Rock Paper Soul (9:30pm)
The ticketed final on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, features 4 bands playing – special guest judges are recruited to decide their fate. For 2024 we are delighted to have secured Founder of School of Rock, PG Academy, record producer and screenwriter Paul Green. Joining him is his wife Kim France, editor, music writer and author. Back for a third year is renowned international author James Frey. Organizer Rachel Lampen says: “This event has grown from year to year in terms of popularity and talent. I have bands contacting me a year in advance to compete, and the final is always sold out. It’s the best tonic for January and when the final two bands play the same song – the crowd go wild.”
Gates which opened in 1979, is an iconic family sports bar and restaurant with live music every Saturday night. Tickets for the 2024 final are $22 per person and available to purchase via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gates-5th-battle-of-the-bands-final-tickets-734271615167
Gates Restaurant, 10 Forest Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 / www.gatesrestaurant.com
For further information please contact organizer rachel@rockpaperscissors.events or call 203 970 8432.
