A war will wage onstage this weekend in downtown Muncie, but no treaties will be signed.
Max Music Wars kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday at Center Stage, 306 S. Walnut St. The competition will feature four local bands: Ampheon, Gambit's Disciples, Next to Nothing and Nomadic.
A panel of independent judges will cast votes for the best band based on performance, material and professionalism. Audience members are also allowed to cast one ballot per round for the band they liked best. The next two preliminary rounds are on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.
The format for the competition is three preliminary rounds, each featuring four new bands competing for a slot in the Nov. 8 finals. The grand prize for winning this competition is a prize pack including eight hours of free recording time at Beltauer Studios.
Carol VanZandt-Alexander, producer of Max Music, said the main goal for the concert is to help promote the local music scene.
"My son has been in bands, and I've gone to a lot of shows, and know there's a lot of local talent," VanZandt-Alexander said. "I think it's important to support the local scene. Some of the best live music I've heard has been by a relatively unknown band in a small venue."
Bands participating in the competition agree.
"I definitely want everybody to support local music," Ampheon guitarist Josh Wilkins said. "That's where it's at."
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Action for Animals foundation of Delaware County.
According to its Web site, the mission of Action for Animals, Inc. (AFA) is to promote responsible animal welfare, to provide assistance for injured and distressed animals, to provide a pet therapy program and to recognize outstanding efforts in these areas.
"I love the fact that proceeds are going to a very humane group because I'm going to be a zoologist," said Montez Thomas, drummer for Gambit's Disciples. "I love animals, and I've found a whole lot of charities that donate toward animal rights. When I found out that this was for animal proceeds, I was all for it."
The bands playing in the concert this weekend are no strangers to benefit concerts.
"Our first two shows were benefits," Wilkins said. "Our first one was for the Boys and Girls Club of Yorktown and the next was at Southside High School, where we played for a kid who had cancer."
VanZandt-Alexander also said the most rewarding part of organizing the event is raising money for a good cause.
"That's good karma and everyone can use a little of that," she said.
Max Music WarsWhere: Center Stage, S. Walnut St.When: Sat., Oct. 18, 2008Time: 7 p.m.Performers: Ampheon, Gambit's Disciples, Next to Nothing and Nomadic Admission: $3
Action for AnimalsAction for Animals, supported by membership dues, donations and fundraising events, has four main programs: Animal Placement (741-7858), which provides foster homes until the pets are placed.An Injured and Distressed Animal Fund, which provides veterinary care, medicine, spaying-neutering and foster homes for homeless animals. Spay/Neuter Assistance for owned pets. Catch, Alter, Release program for wild cats.
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