Solo artists battle in PR fund-raiser
Six average guys rocked out with acoustic guitars before a packed venue Tuesday night.
Central Michigan University’s chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted Battle at the Bin, a “battle of the solo artist” fund-raising event at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield Road.
Featured artists included South Lyon senior Dave Ray, Armada senior Craig Miller, Port Huron senior Scott Dwyer, Joel Sherrard, Wixom junior Chelsea Melvin and Mount Pleasant junior Justin Miller.
“I wish they would do more things like this because it brings local music out and this is where the good stuff is,” said Indiana junior Craig Story.
Each contestant had a 25-minute set to prove to the packed-Cabin audience they were the best artist.
Genres consisted of indie acoustic, country and cover songs from artists like Steve Miller Band and Dashboard Confessional.
Melvin won a $50 gift card to B’s Music Shop, 613 N. Mission St., and Dwyer collected a $15 gift certificate to New Moon Records, 1901 S. Mission St.
The fund-raiser netted nearly $500.
Mount Pleasant senior Charlotte Strawhacker said Tuesday night’s music was a relieving change from the norm.
“This is different than most nights at the bar,” she said. “There’s usually just one guy singing – this is a variety.”
Beads were passed around as door prizes in an effort to entice guests into donating to PRSSA.
Clio graduate student Amber Yaklin said she was attracted to the Cabin because of its pizza specials.
“I am usually in class right now, but we got out early, so we came for the pizza,” she said.
Proceeds from the event will go to the PRSSA’s fourth-annual spring conference, “Destination Public Relations: Landing Your First Real Job,” March 31 at the Comfort Inn, 2424 S. Mission.
The conference will include students from across Michigan and will provide students with an opportunity to network with professionals.
