A favorite of MUSIC Matters annual events, Battle of the Bands, took place on January 27th at the Blind Pig. The event was a huge success, with tickets being sold out hours before the doors opened. The night brought many people to the Main Street area in hopes of discovering what local bands have to offer while having a great time with their friends. Battle of the Bands featured 4 bands, Tarps Off, VUP, Mahogany, and The Third Degree. With this incredible lineup, the audience happily experienced a wide variety of music genres throughout the night.
Tarps Off, “the most shirtless band in Ann Arbor,” started off the night showcased an amazing high-energy set featuring their original songs, “Psychic” and “Faster”. Tarps Off also covered popular songs, some of which included “Basket Case” by Green Day, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts, and “I’m a Believer” by Smash Mouth.
The second act of the night, VUP, brought a jazzier atmosphere to the Blind Pig. With songs such as “Cuff It” by Beyoncé and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder, VUP brought a vibe-able set to Battle of the Bands that the audience enjoyed.
Next in the night, Mahogany kept the grooves going. They played an original song alongside titles such as "This Love" by Maroon 5 and "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton, showcasing their range in genres.
Photos by Esther Hur
Finally, The Third Degree, originating from Petoskey, Michigan, known for their performances of their own Rock & Roll originals as well as covers of Classic Rock, rounded out the night. At Battle of the Bands, they showcased a few of their original songs, including “Run the Show,” from their album Reheated. Another favorite from the night was “Barracuda” by Heart.
At the end of the night, audience members got to vote for the winning bands. VUP captured the hearts of the audience and placed first, with Tarps Off being a notable second place. All of the bands brought their passions and hard work to the stage to create an enjoyable night for all who attended.
If you enjoyed attending Battle of Bands and want another night of fun in Ann Arbor, or if you were unable to come and want to experience the magic that local performers can create, MUSIC Matters will soon be hosting its 4th annual Michigan’s Got Talent at the Mendelssohn Theatre. Come see it on February 20th from 7-9 PM, as you might just see some familiar faces!