Got chops

Kyle Rea/Metro

Jillian Kiser, chairwoman of the Young Professionals Group, rocks out at the London Music Club where the Battle of the Bands finalists will hit the stage May 29. The winner of that venue will play Canada Day celebrations in Harris Park.

Young and professional

The Young Professionals Group is an organization of people aged 22 to 45 to keep in touch with each other.

Monthly get-togethers are organized at locations in downtown London, with people gathering to talk about everything from politics to pop culture.

Find them on Facebook for more information.

Published: May 04, 2011 5:00 a.m.

Last modified: May 04, 2011 1:26 p.m.

(1)

Print article

Text size

Got some serious musical chops and looking for a venue to show off some killer material?

Then gear up for battle, as the Young Professionals Group here in London presents The Battle of the Bands.

The musical warfare winner will hit the stage July 1 for Canada Day celebrations in Harris Park.

Between now and May 22, local musicians can submit an MP3 showcasing their talent. Ten finalists will be picked to perform May 29 in an all-ages show at the London Music Hall, with a panel of four judges choosing the winner. Each band is to perform two songs at that gig.

“It’s to engage the younger demographic in Canada Day celebrations, but at the same time give them a fun event,” said Jillian Kiser, chairwoman of YPG. “We want to see some interesting talent and really entertain younger people.”

Kiser said they’re bringing in a special emcee, Jeff Cole also known as Jeff Cool, for May 29 —he’ll act as a local version of Ryan Seacrest “with a little rap twist,” Kiser said.

“It should be a really fun evening. Hopefully, we get a crowd out.”

While the contest is for Canada Day, songs don’t need to have a patriotic theme to them, Kiser said.

“We’re looking for talent.”

What they’re not looking for? Acts that take things a bit too far — inappropriate lyrics or people taking their clothes off.

“We want rock stars, but we don’t want them to go crazy on us,” Kiser said.

Entries can be submitted to ypglondon.on.ca@gmail.com or dropped off at Kiser’s office, Century 21 at 420 York St.

More about Young Professionals Group , YPG , The Battle of the Bands

more local stories

Ontario universities and colleges should move 1/3 of courses online: report

TORONTO — A report before the Ontario government is calling for universities and colleges to move a third of their courses online — a proposal that’s received a failing grade from a prominent students’ organization.

Londoners make showing at horse-racing rally

The London district is the Ontario Harness Horse Association’s largest and has thousands of jobs tied to the sport, said Brian Tropea, association general manager.

Lightning take first place via ‘sacrifice’: Coach

London Lightning players are making sacrifices to guarantee first place in the inaugural season of the National Basketball League of Canada, says coach Michael Ray Richardson.

Add your comment

Comments are not reviewed before posting. If you believe a comment has violated the commenting guidelines, please alert a moderator using links provided.