Cloudy skies did not stop SMU’s 2011 Battle of the Bands from rocking out on Saturday.
A large stage was set up in front of the flagpole where Southern Soles kicked off the night followed by Team Exceptional Hair, Carrion Wyrm, Carbon and Easterling.
The bands competed in front of a crowd of students, members of the community and three judges for the opportunity to win some top prizes.
Sponsored by SMU Program Council, the bands were judged on a wide range of criteria including originality, preparations, vocals and stage presence.
Groups first went through an application process to be part of the event then went through an audition process in order to be picked as one of the five.
“Each band has at least one current or former SMU student which is really cool,” Allison Stephens, member of SMU Program Council, said.
The bands played an assortment of cover songs and their own original songs. A variety of genres were covered ranging from folk-like to heavy metal.
The loud music and bright lights attracted first year students Sydney Kamp and Katie Bridges who were on their way to get coffee.
“We were walking by and decided to check it out,” Bridges said. “The bands are great, we really enjoyed them all.”
Students were not the only ones who came out to hear them perform. Bike riders, dog walkers and local families took the time to listen as well.
Brothers Ethan and Josh Wood, Bill Slagle and Tyler Norris ended the evening of music with their band Easterling.
Easterling claimed the first place prize of complimentary six hours in a professional recording studio. Carbon took second place honors and received tickets to Dallas’ Granada Theater.