In response to the recent tragic suicide of another Lake Orion School District student, Oakland Christian Church (OCC) will host Battle of the Bands on March 11th at 6 p.m.
“Battle of the Bands: Fight for Hope will promote HOPE (Hold On, Persuade, Empower) to local teens after the latest tragedy they’ve had to face,” says OCC’s Pastor Dominic Russo.
This suicide marks the 10th by either current or former Lake Orion students within the past four years and Pastor Russo has been very outspoken in recent months with regard to these tragedies. This latest suicide propelled the community to take action. “The Battle of the Bands exists to give hope, love and a future for the teens of this generation. We are fighting back against the suicide epidemic hitting these teens,” says Pastor Russo.
The show features several bands including one from Lake Orion High School itself – “Substone”, which was founded by the best friend of the latest suicide victim.
Three judges will vote to determine the winning bands based on performance, songwriting, audience reaction and overall energy. In addition, audience members will be able to text their votes which will go toward the overall score. The winner of the battle will receive a $1000 cash prize. $500 and $250 prizes will go to the 2nd and 3rd place winners, respectively. Sunday’s Battle will be the first in a series of events that will ultimately culminate in a grand prize event this summer at a date TBD. The winner of the finale this summer will receive a free recording and music video shoot sponsored by local Emmy award winning marketing firm DBA Worldwide. At the Battle of the Bands, OCC will be giving away free food, beverages and prizes. There is a $2 entrance fee to partially cover the costs of the event with OCC donating the rest of expenses.
In addition to the contest, three members (Steve Saputo, Byron Rossi and Mike Mulliniks) of the rock group The American Secrets have agreed to lend their talents to the night’s event. Formerly known as The Victorious Secrets, the local Detroit band was propelled to the national stage in August of 2010 when it won a contest by FreeCreditScore.com to become the new face for Experian Consumer Direct’s national advertising campaign.
About Oakland Christian Church – Oakland Christian Church was founded in May 1997 and is planted at 5100 N Adams Rd. in Oakland Twp., MI. OCC is about Reaching, Connecting, Growing and Serving. OCC exists to bring God’s love and power to their community, Metro Detroit, and the world. They do this through Cross Generational Ministries – All Access Youth (ages 11-17), The Gathering (ages 18-25), Kingdom Kids (ages 5-10) and Missions – taking hundreds of youth, young adults and adults around the world sharing the love of God. They also have specific Men’s & Women’s ministries. OCC believes in the Power of Authentic Music, live bands giving Praise to the Living God.
About DBA Worldwide – DBA Worldwide’s collective of creative inventors and storytellers will change the world for our clients and for good. We architect and implement full service and branding campaigns that engage culture and inspire communities to action for the greatest positive impact on society.
About Sarah Hovis