MB Hometown Fair Brings Back 'Battle of the Bands' and More
Aug 14, 2020 04:06PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Kids, tune up those guitars: The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair's Battle of the Bands is back.
Although the Hometown Fair has been canceled for this year, the organization is bringing back the popular band competition in a virtual format, as well as a variety of other community-oriented offerings.
For this year's competition, bands can submit videos of their performance online by September 1.
(Preference will be given to bands from South Bay high schools and middle schools.) After the 20 bands are judged, four bands will be selected to
move on to compete in this year’s virtual Hometown Fair “Battle of the
Bands.”
From there, the judging
panel will narrow down the finalists. (The competition is overseen by Mark Finley, the fair's director of Main
Stage.)
The public will have a chance to vote online for their favorite. The winner will be announced during virtual fair weekend and will be awarded the grand prize: a headline performance at the 2021 Hometown Fair.
"The Battle of the Bands competition has been a community favorite
and we’re fortunate to continue the tradition virtually," said Joe Marcy, MB Hometown Fair president. "Over the years
we’ve seen phenomenal talent in our community. We’re proud to be a
platform for them."
Marcy added: "This pandemic has been challenging for many reasons
and we hope you’ll find joy and inspiration through their music."
Competition to be Held Virtually
According to Marcy, the fair is accepting up to 20 video auditions on its website at www.mbfair.org/bands. He noted that videos pre-recorded before Covid-19 are acceptable and encouraged. "The health and safety of our community remains our top priority," said Marcy.All music genres are welcome, said Marcy. The judges will be looking for stage presence, star quality, talent, energy and
professionalism.
Once the finalists are selected, their video submissions will be posted on online. Community members will be invited to view the performances online and pick their
favorite by voting on the website. Voting will begin
September 21 and will close on "virtual fair" weekend, October 4.
Fair to Incorporate Community Events
Although the fair is not happening in person this year, the fair's board of directors has been "working tirelessly" to create a meaningful virtual experience, according to Marcy.
Currently the fair:
- Will be unveiling its 2020 merchandise design and launch an online store shortly.
- Is accepting grant applications from local organizations until September 8. "We’ve received an overwhelming number of applicants and want to help as many non-profits as possible," said Marcy.
- Has listed its arts and crafts vendors on its website so community members can visit their online shops.
- Is launching its first-ever silent auction.
"You don’t want to miss the online auction, as we’ve secured fantastic packages including fitness
certificates, cooking classes, fine wines, shopping sprees, a 4,000
piece ice cream truck and more," said Marcy. "Plus, it's not too late to donate a package. It’s a great opportunity for exposure."
The donation form is on the fair's homepage.
Current donors include Kinecta, Study Hut
Tutoring, Cyclebar Manhattan Beach, Campsurf, Wan Fiore Project,
Hammitt, The Point El Segundo, North Italia, Kendra Scott, Blue Mercury,
Aquarium of the Pacific, Allegiate, Color Me Mine, BeachSports, Fresh
Brothers, Rock Goddess Jewelry, Urban Plates, Toyota Sports Performance
Center, Rock & Brews, Boxwood Fashion, Jewels for the Loo, JnJ
Jerky, Kathy Keller Bauer, Calmere Estate Winery, Firebristle, Colleen
Berg Jewelry, Story Spark, Kippi the Conqueror, Residence Inn Manhattan
Beach, Judd’s Hill Winery, Sidecar Donuts, Skechers, Social Butterfly
Designs and more.
Marcy added that anyone with questions should feel free to contact any of the members of the board of directors directly through the website. Board members include:
Joe Marcy, President
Dana Old, Vice President & Director of Food
Jeanna Harkenrider, Treasurer
Karen Tokashiki, Secretary
Nellie Ambrose, Director of Games/Member At Large
Kari Carpino, Director of Volunteers
Diane Charvat, Director of South Stage
Tamarie Cuneo, Director of Arts & Crafts
Kim Edwards, Director of Information, Free Speech & Civic Corner
Mark Finley, Director of Main Stage
Renee Hall, Director of Food
Taylor Hartwig, Director of Community Showcase
Tom Jeffrey, Director of Kid Country
Anne Kelly, Director of Merchandise
Robert Manriquez, Director of Environmental Services & Communication
Mary Morigaki, Director of Wine Garden
Mary O’Keefe-Fay, Director of Community Relations
Betty Wan, Director of Publicity
Peter Yollin, Director of Traffic & Security
Bea Zimbalist, Director of Beer Garden
