On Saturday August 28 2010 O'Toole's Harley Davidson held a Battle of the Bands to benefit the funding of the arts programs at the local schools. Many talented bands competed in the day long event. Listening and watching the talent these kids have proved why the arts are so important to our schools and our children. This is why O'Toole's Harley-Davidson held this benefit. If they didn't many kids like these would not have a chance to follow their dreams. Two of the bands that stood out for me were Pandemic and Shadows Edge. Pandemic is from Washingtonville Middle School in N.Y. and has five members that include 14 year old Jenn Boerke (vocals), 13 year old Nick Pham (guitar), 13 year old Timmy Henry (bass), 13 year old James Hoyt (drums) and 13 year old Thomas Messina (guitar).
All the members of this band are highly talented. It would be absolutely horrible to let young talent like this slip through the cracks due to a lack of funding for arts programs in the school system. This is the next generation of super star talent that will show the way for an even younger group to come. We see kids just like these on shows like America's Got Talent and American Idol. It might even be them next season.
That is why bands like Shadows Edge were at this benefit. Sure, they could of use the money and the studio time at Middletown Trax but that's not what this fundraiser was about. It was for the young kids who love music as much as they do. Shadows Edge can bring the rock as hard as anyone and this band can play. They put on a great show. Pandemic stayed the whole time not just to listen but to learn from those who have been there and done that. Shadows Edge is just the type of band that would love to pass on any secrets to young inspiring musicians. All in all, it was a great day for music. The kids got to see how a show is put on behind the scenes by watching talented professionals like Devairia. In between each band there was one of the best DJs' in the business, a young man calling himself DJ Chris. This guy knows his music and what the crowd wants to hear.
I would like to give a special thanks to O'Toole's Harley Davidson in Wurtsboro NY. I misplaced my camera with all my pictures and footage while covering this event. Due to their incredible honesty and concern they found my camera and put it in the office until they tracked me down and I was able to retreve it 3 days later. People like you guys do not come along very often.
So here is my shout out to you:
If you want an honest deal on some hot wheels, Go to O'Toole's Harley-Davidson at 4 Sullivan Street Wurtsboro, NY. Ask for Tommy Digs (or anyone else for that matter). Tell them CrazyMike sent you it may not help much but it can't hurt.
iReporter- CrazyMike