The 2^nd Annual Battle of the Bands, a musical competition featuring prizes of cash and musical instruments, will again pick up the beat for area student and youth musicians on Sept. 13.

The competition, which will take center stage from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket’s Elson Clubhouse on School Street, is open to performers from two age groups: 12-14 years of age (or grades 6-8) and 15-18 years of age (or grades 9–12). Bands from Rhode Island and surrounding communities are invited to enter.

Three collective musical categories will be judged: Rock and Blues; Rap, Hip-Hop and Rhythm & Blues; and Latino and World Beat. After taking the stage, each competing band will have 12-15 minutes to impress the audience and judges. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner in each category, and musical instruments donated by local merchants also will be awarded. In addition, all participants will be eligible for raffle prizes. Every band will receive a Certificate of Participation.

One of many events and activities during the 2008 Pawtucket Arts Festival, which runs Sept. 3–Sept. 21, the competition with its array of pop culture sounds is being hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket and is being sponsored by the Pawtucket Arts Festival and The Times.

            Applications can be picked up at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket or downloaded at www.bgcpawt.org or www.pawtucketartsfestival.org. The deadline for submitting applications, which must be complete in order to be accepted, is Sept. 5. Winners will be announced at the event, with their photographs submitted to the local print and broadcast media.