By Tamas Mondovics
Obskurity, a five-member teenage rock band, took first place and 10-hours of free studio time at the 15th Annual Teenage Battle of the Bands held last month, during the Hillsborough County Fair.
To reach the title this year, eight bands competed in a night that was mostly classic rock and punk, while judged on guitars, drums, vocals, showmanship and originality.
Interestingly, Obskurity was born a year ago and is the result of a fusion between two different bands that participated during the 2011 Teenage Battle of the Bands.
Band members Teagan Byrnes, 15, Caleb Caton, 19, Beau Cleaves, 16, Chase Cleaves, 14 and Keegan Conner, 15, are now looking forward to recording some songs in a professional studio thanks to the free 10-hour recording session they received as a prize for their effort.
Second and third place, 20 Years North and Hanging Chads, were decided by only one tenth of a point. Second place received five hours of free studio time.
Band members must be between 13 and 20 years of age, and only one band member can be age 20.
Last year’s Teenage Battle of the Bands winner was Culprit, while previous winners include Styx of Fire in 2010; Rising Down in 2009; and Envy in 2008.
For more information contact Joe Soletti, Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, 813-744-5871. Also visit hillsboroughcounty.org/parks for information on all their programs and services.
