Laura Sturza
MAGNOLIA PARK -- Punk rock prevailed at Burbank's first ever Halloween
Battle of the Bands, Tuesday night's free, teenage bash at Verdugo
Recreation Center.
Since preschool through middle school youngsters were represented at
other area happenings, the event sought to meet the needs of middle and
high school students.
"With everything that's happened this year, if we can get the kids
inside in a safe environment and keep them off the streets, I think it's
well worth it," said Mike Graceffo, recreation specialist for the city.
Three bands performed, including The Disgraced, with members from
Jordan Middle School. The other bands, Lab Station 7 and Bad Timing, both
boasted students from the teen punk band capital of Burbank: John
Burroughs High School.
Each band blasted out roughly 30 minutes of original music, while
Freddie Kruegers, Snow Whites and Draculas checked each other out.
Since Michael Collard began playing bass with Bad Timing, the biggest
change that he has noticed has been a shift in how other students respond
to him.
"People know you when you're in a band," Collard said.
Lab Station 7 offered a young band's take on world events. Band member
Trevor Jackson described their music as "political" with songs that
addressed how they perceive America and other governments.
The other bands also covered thematic ground familiar to the genre,
such as the challenges of growing up, a choice subject for people of any
age.
The event was sponsored by Burbank Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Department.
"We hope to expand it in the future," Graceffo said.
