The Sounds of Centerra Concert Series, a popular outdoor concert series now in its 17th year, is hosting an additional Saturday show this weekend, “Battle of the Bands,” which features six groups from across the state performing three songs in a 12-minute set to see who comes out on top.
The lineup includes Carlos and the Crew, Almost Decent, Nikki Z, Addie Tonic, Shelvis and the Roustabouts and Years Down, a set of groups from Fort Collins to Pueblo that routinely play throughout the state.
Billed as a family-friendly event backdropped by Chapungu Sculpture Park, food trucks will be on site and the winner will be decided by a vote of attendees. The free show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.
Years Down, a Denver-based pop-punk band in the vein of Blink-182, formed in 2019 and started making music in earnest during the COVID-19 pandemic, something lead vocalist Griffin Mather said presented a unique artistic challenge, and the group used their music as an outlet to express their feelings about both their personal lives and the situation the world found itself in.
Mather said that the battle represented their shortest set ever, limited to only three songs, but they were eager to expand to the Loveland area.
“We don’t really get to do many shows out that way, there aren’t necessarily that many music venues, especially ones that cater to our particular genre,” he said. “So it was an opportunity to show the people of Loveland that we’re local, we exist, if you like Warped Tour or Tony Hawk Pro Skater or anything like that, come out to a show sometime.”
Carlos Barata of Carlos and the Crew, a Fort Collins-based folk rock outfit, said he was eager for the competition.
“It’s always good to place our talents against others,” he said. “And also, as much as it’s a battle, it’s also an opportunity to connect with different genres. I think it’s a special thing, to celebrate Colorado and some of the music that’s here.”
The band exists in a variety of formats, ranging from a trio to six members, and is taking a more acoustic approach to Saturday’s performance. He calls the group’s brand of folk rock “feel good folk” which focuses heavily on self-expression and community.
“It’s really the individuals within that community that make a strong community, and whether they’re sharing their uniqueness or not,” he said. “If they keep it to themselves the community won’t be as strong. I think this Battle of the Bands is a good testament to that, get people out there, showcasing their talents, togetherness, that’s what community’s about.”
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