How many times have you wanted to see live bands perform only to be disappointed when you were unable to enter the bar?

Unfortunately, lovers of live music who are under 21 have few opportunities to check out the local music scene. And even if you are of legal age, you usually must fight the crowds and squeeze into a hot, smoky bar to catch the acts. Most DeKalb bars feature only one act per night and several do not present live entertainment at all. The thought of paying a small price to see multiple acts was practically unheard of in DeKalb.

Until now.

Thanks to the NIU chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon, a national business fraternity, four bands will be appearing in the second annual Battle of the Bands contest tonight at 7 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom. Admission is $2.

The bands that will be performing their different rock styles are I-C-U, The Essentials, Red Line, and The Renfields. All are local bands consisting mainly of NIU students and have played mostly at residence halls or smaller venues such as Andy’s Tap and the Eagle’s Club.

Each band will perform for approximately between a half hour and 45 minutes, and according to PSE co-chairman for Battle of the Bands Ken Rose, there will be some added attractions between acts.

“There will be a raffle for the audience,” said Rose. “Those who attend will have a chance to win various items that have been donated by a local beer distributor. Things like neon lights, posters, shirts, and various McCabe’s merchandise will all be raffled. There will also be concessions sold at the show.”

The bands that come in first and second place will win an opportunity to play at NIU Springfest later this semester. In addition, each band will receive $150 for first place, $100 for second, $50 for third and assorted consolation prizes for fourth place.

Last year’s show featured the bands Dreams, Loose Shoes, X-Tras, Big Picture, Artemus. Dreams was the winner.

All revenue from the show will go to the DeKalb chapter of the United Way.

The band members also seem to be enthusiastic about the contest and urge people to attend. “It should be a good show,” said Renfields drummer Fred Papp. “I hope a lot of people come out and give the bands a chance.”