Bernards Seeking Charter Day Bands

Local bands with at least one Bernards Township resident and at least half of band members being either middle school or high school students are being sought for this year's Battle of the Bands, to be held at Bernards Township's annual Charter Day celebration.

As in years past, the Charter Day Battle of the Bands is an opportunity for area students and local bands to showcase their talents before the thousands of local residents who attend the annual event, coordinated by the Bernards Township Department of Parks and Recreation. Each year, fans of the musicians line up to watch the bands.

The Battle of the Bands is scheduled to take place on the Henry Street stage by the Oak Street School between 12:30 to 6 p.m. at this year's Charter Day, an all day and night community event which this year falls on Saturday, May 18.

Approximately eight bands will be selected to each perform a 20-minute set. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place and include both cash prizes and studio time provided by Wavelength Productions in Bernardsville.

The call-out is for jazz bands, rock bands and any other talented local musicians.

Applications available now, due by April 26

Applications must be filed by Friday. April 26. Applications are available now online on the Bernards Township website, at the Bernards Township parks and recreation department at the town hall at 1 Collyer Lane, or at the Wavelength Productions studio. Wavelength Productions is located at 2 Morristown Road, Suite E, in Bernardsville.

Wavelength Productions will provide speakers, floor monitors and microphones. Bands are responsible for providing instruments and all other equipment. More information on set-up, equipment and prizes is available on the application form.

The first-place band will win $150 and three hours of studio time at Wavelength Productions, according to the application form. Second and third place band will be awarded $100 to $50.

Bands should return their completed application to either Parks & Recreation Department located at 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge or to the Wavelength Productions studio by the April 26 due date.

Questions can be directed to the Parks & Recreation Office at recreation@bernards.org or 908-204-3003.

Charter Day, which celebrates the history and charter by British King George II to create Bernards Township more than 250 years ago.

The event includes a street fair showcasing local businesses, community groups, service organizations and food vendors, amusement rides, student and adult art exhibits and historical displays. Live entertainment is scheduled all day with performances and demonstrations by local talent, including the Battle of the Bands, and continues in the evening with a live concert and dancing in the street.