The opportunity for local bands to battle for local supremacy is here again.

The annual Battle of the Bands competition will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 20, at Central Park, located between Stevenson and Grant Towers.

The eight bands chosen include Fixate, Sinelair, Bicycle Day, Pelao, ASA, Current, Dysception and Clear the Mechanism, according to Ron Hale, Springfest program coordinator for Campus Activities Board.

About 30 to 40 bands submitted information, Hale said. “Each band submitted their CD and contact information,” Hale said. “I then listened to each CD, and I put some to the side that weren’t as good.” Hale was looking for good voices, diversity and good sound from the bands, which were rock bands consisting mainly of non-NIU students.

“I wanted to get every sound of rock,” Hale said. Hale is in the process of putting together a team of judges who will have certain criteria to evaluate the bands, which will each have 40 minutes to perform.

“There is a low possibility to add two more bands,” Hale said. The first, second and third place winners will receive a cash prize of $200, $150 and $100, respectively, Hale said.

Sophomore business major Sarah Hammer plans on checking out the bands. “It should be a nice day to relax and listen to live music,” she said.

Junior economics major John Low also plans on attending. “I’ve heard of some of the bands, so I’d like to see them play,” he said.

The event falls on the final day of Springfest, CAB’s week-long series of events celebrating spring. Hale predicts this Springfest will be the best ever. “By the high number of CDs I received, I think it’s going to be really successful,” he said.

The event is free and the Residence Hall Association will provide food and games, Hale said. “We will be giving stuff away all day, and I hope to see everyone out there,” Hale said.

For more information on Battle of the Bands or Springfest, call CAB at 753-1580.