Local Bands to Compete for Green and Gigs

If you're into all kinds of music, you're gonna really rock out June 8 at finals of Rock the Green.

Eight bands will compete in the finals of the third , from 6 to 10 p.m., June 8 at the . Entries include:

• Last Resort (Rock)
• The Ska-lers (Ska)
• Bull Fights (Folk/Rock)
• Wireless Soul (Rock)
• Crosswalk (Rock)
• 7 Cents (All-girl Pop)
• Seagrass (Progressive Celtic/Folk)
• The Blokes (’60s Rock)

Local music experts will judge the bands on sound quality, originality, musical ability and audience appeal. The grand prize winner will get $300 and the chance to perform at on June 26 and on Oct. 13.

Other cash prizes include: $100 for showmanship, $100 for best original song and $100 for most fans at the event.

There's a nice mix of genres - and performers, he said. "We've got one band of  9 -10-year-olds (Wireless Soul) and a couple of bands of 16 and 17-year-olds.  We have repeat contestants from the previous year. The talent of the bands this year has exceeded expectations. People who come to the event really will be impressed by the performances," said Jonathan Pratscher, the park district's leisure services supervisor.

The audience also will get into the act. Park district staff videotaped the auditions and posted the videos on the District’s Facebook page. The band that receives the most “Likes” before June 7 will receive a $100 cash prize at the finals, he said.

In addition, those on hand will have a chance to win raffle prizes, including three-day passes to Lollapalooza and lawn admission to Ravinia. Tickets are $1 a pop, and winners will be selected that night, Pratscher said.

All ages are welcome at the free family event, and food will be available for purchase.

Rock the Green is sponsored by the , Northbrook Arts Commission and Northbrook Youth Commission. For more information, log on to the park district website.