A battle of the bands Saturday at the Chippewa River District Library, 301 South University St., allowed area middle and high school students to showcase their ability to rock.

The library’s Summer Reading Program’s Battle of the Bands had two finalists performed: Shock and Strength in Numbers. Bands were narrowed down via an online contest, said Rob Wang, the director of programming and outreach for the library. Both bands were made of high school students, he said.

The library chose this summer’s program theme “Express Yourself,” to allow the library to structure different and diverse activities for area children.

“(It is) about more than just reading,” Wang said.

The battle of the bands also broaded the teenage bands’ limited playing arenas.

“(We wanted to give them) a chance to get out of the basement,” he said. “We wanted to give them a safe and encouraging environment.”

Shock’s performance earned them the first place title through a vote of four panel judges.

Both bands performed for half an hour and played both coverages and originals, Wang said.

Around 40 to 50 people came to see the bands, Wang said, as well as library staff and visitors.

“A few patrons who came (to the library) came over and watched,” he said. “The (library) staff said they could hear it.”

B’s Music, 613 North Mission St., radio station 95.3 WCFX and the Isabella County Commission to Reduce Underage Drinking provided support for the event, and the Isabella County Parks and Recreation department also helped out, Wang said.

Mitch Anderson, a Rothbury sophomore, B’s Music employee and judge at the event, liked getting involved.

“It was really fun, there were two good bands,” he said. “Both bassists were really good.”

Anderson is also known as “Mitchapalooza,” the on-air band on 91.5 WMHW’s morning show, “Up in Ya Mornin.” A musician himself, he said he appreciated being able to give tips to the young performers.

Anderson said his favorite part of the event was Shock’s cover of Lady GaGa’s “Pokerface.”

Angie Evans, a radio personality at 95.3 WCFX, said the station was also excited for the event.

“(The battle of the bands) really is just something cool for kids to get into,” Evans said.

Tina Mills, the Teen Advisory Board director at the library, said plans for the event began in March. She said she was happy with the concert and may be interested in making it a repeat event.

“We really would like to (do this again),” Mills said. “It was a really good way to give kids a positive outlet.”

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