Bands battle for cash awards
by Frances Matteck, Reporter

   Eight bands competed for cash prizes Nov. 14 when the Texas Association of Mexican American College Students hosted a Battle of the Bands on NW Campus. Music styles of the bands included rock, heavy and punk with most receiving favorable reactions from the audience members.
   Kromium, a local rock band, took top honors and the $100 first-place cash award.
   Members include Rusty “Gage” Prater, vocals/rhythm; Auggi “Lord of the Strings” Longoria, lead guitar; Mike Bennet, drums, and Cody Campbell, bass guitar.
   Despite amplifier problems during its first song, the band gave a solid performance that motivated a few fans in the crowd to create their own mosh pit.
   The group has been together for two years, and all of the songs performed were original.
   The band also has performed at Dreamworld, Ridglea Theater and Wreck Room.
   Band members said they were not sure what they wanted to do with the money, but were considering investing in more equipment.
   Headsouth, a local rock band, placed second, winning $75. Members include Kenny on the drums, Chad on lead vocals/electric guitar, Aaron on lead guitar and Nick on bass.
   The band distributed free CDs and stickers during and after their performance.
   Many of the people in the audience, including members of the other bands, danced during Headsouth’s performance.
   Members have been together for only eight months, but have performed at many venues around the Fort Worth/Dallas area, including Ridglea Theater, Galaxy Club and Club Indigo.
   The group said it will put the prize money toward recording time and mass production of a new CD that will come out in January.
   Forged by Fire, a Christian band, placed third, winning $50. Josh Darir serves as lead singer/acoustic guitar with Christian Witte on bass guitar, Greg Collis on electric guitar, Tom Shoemake on electric guitar and Shad Sanders on drum set. The charismatic band invited the audience to get involved.
   The band has been together for four years, and all the songs it played were original. Band members said they will add the prize money to their account to make more CDs.
   The concert raised money for T.A.M.A.C.S.’ many charity projects throughout the year. At Thanksgiving the student organization plans to adopt families and feed them dinner. The group’s plans also include caroling at a nursing home at Christmas and delivering dominoes, cards, slippers, lotion and other items the money will buy for the seniors there.
   Some money will be set aside for school supplies, clothing and social events that promote and encourage literacy for students at the W.J. Turner Elementary School.
   T.A.M.A.C.S. also sold T-shirts. Vasquez Bakery, Corner Bakery Café, Sesame Grill and Super Inflatables and More helped sponsor the T-shirts sale.
   Lake Worth, North Side, Boswell, and Diamond Hill high schools sold refreshments to raise money for their senior classes.