PHOTO STORY: Battle of the Bands Rocks Freedom Plaza

Dylan Joseph and his band kick off Battle of the Bands, Joanna Walden

A crowd stands in anticipation in front of a freshly constructed stage on Freedom Plaza. 

As the smoke machines whirl to life and the lights begin to flash, it's time once again for another Belmont Showcase. 

Battle of the Bands opened Saturday night with emcee Carter Guse amping the crowd up for the night's first act. 

To open the night, Dylan Joseph and his band came out and got the crowd jumping and clapping along to their melodic rock sound. 

The two primary vocalists harmonized throughout the set while the guitarists shredded and lifted their instruments in the air prompting cheers from the crowd. 

Dylan Joseph and his band would be followed by a band with a heavier metal sound.  

Black Baccara took the stage and kept the energy going through their entire set as beach balls flew through the air. 

Between sets, Guse brought forth his own musical talents and kept the crowd entertained with a call-and-response acapella version of Neil Diamond’s classic “Sweet Caroline.” 

Then following this impromptu performance, RAWHONEY. would take to the stage to the sound of screams from the crowd. 

The crowd continued their excitement and energy as they clapped and cheered along to the band’s songs. 

After their final song, the band exited the stage as a roar began to build in the crowd. 

It was time for one final act. 

In a fashion reminiscent of the Battle of the Bands from three years ago, Keep the Eleven would appear and fire up the crowd with their signature guitar shredding.  

The band would jump around the stage and get the crowd involved with some headbanging, clapping and even some sweater throwing.  

After the judges’ deliberation, the winner of the Battle of the Bands would ultimately be RAWHONEY. 

RAWHONEY. will compete again in the Best of the Best Showcase in the spring. 

Dylan Joseph props himself up on a speaker while his guitarists shred along with him, Braden Simmons

Black Baccara sings out to the crowd of raucous students, Braden Simmons

Showcase emcee Carter Guse belts out "Sweet Caroline" between sets of Battle of the Bands, Braden Simmons

Lead singer of RAWHONEY. Ryan O'Connor blares out to the crowd, Braden Simmons

Ryan O'Connor and Kevin Bull Jr. shred their guitar and bass during RAWHONEY.'s set, Braden Simmons

Accompanying vocalist Nikki Nieradka adds her harmony for the set of Dylan Joseph and his band, Braden Simmons

Keep the Eleven guitarist Adam Caruso hoists his instrument during the band's set, Braden Simmons

Keep the Eleven calls out to the crowd to start headbanging, Braden Simmons

Keep the Eleven shreds during their song "You'll Never Wear My Sweater," Braden Simmons

RAWHONEY. accepts their victory on stage following the judge's deliberation for Battle of the Bands, Braden Simmons

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This article was written and photographed by Braden Simmons with contributory photography from Joanna Walden