Every band has a start, some coming from nothing more than a group of teenagers with a dream and a collection of instruments. No stranger to the music scene, Jacksonville has a number of bands calling it hometown, including Limp Bizkit, Shinedown and Yellowcard. The Jacksonville Public Library, with concert production services provided by Sight & Sound Productions, hosted the 7^th Annual Teen Battle of the Bands.

Teenagers ranging from age 12 to 18 had a chance to compete for prizes, including recording time in a studio. Six local bands came to the battlefield to show off their talents in front of friends, family, and a panel of three judges. Dudes on a Rug took the 1^st place grand prize, with Subterranean coming in 2^nd place, followed by Jake Calhoun & Soul Connection taking 3^rd place. What better place to start your band’s career than the Battle of the Bands?