The seven finalists for the Battle of the Bands at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival were announced Tuesday.
The groups -- all from Riverside County -- will compete during the fair's opening day Feb. 18 for a substantial grand prize of a Gretsch drum kit and several Fender guitars and equipment, said County Supervisor John Benoit.
The finalists include: A Beating Heart (Riverside); Dead End Paradox (Palm Desert); Grow Well (Palm Desert), Jekkel (Bermuda Dunes); June, Like the Month (Nuevo); New College Try (La Quinta); and News of the Fire (La Quinta).
The competition will run from noon until 4 p.m. at the Magic Carpet Stage of the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. Bands will be judged on technical performance, originality of songs, professionalism, stage presence, vocals and audience reaction.
Tickets range from $5 for youth (5-12) to $72 for family packs. Children under 5 years old are free.
However, for savvy Battle of the Band goers, admission shouldn't be a problem. Once again, admission is free on opening day (Feb. 18) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to organizers.
The fair runs Feb. 18-27, and is located at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio (map).
