The “Final Five”

as voted by GRD fans to perform 7.29.2011

Each band had the same comments when informed that they were “in” the biggest homegrown music concert of the year, the Q106.5 “Battle of the Bands” at Muscatine’s Great River Days Concert Series. While there is a $3000 purse at stake, each of the finalists are excited to play on the Family Credit Union Main Stage, and plan to concentrate on the music, and not so much on the expectation of winning. All of the bands know that they will be sharing the stage rights with the best acts in the region, and for them, it is a chance to share their passion for music. Let’s meet the “Final Five” in their own words…..

Flight 61 is a rock band from the Muscatine area that has been together for about one year. They are a cover band for the most part, playing songs ranging the 80’s to the music on the charts today. The band does have plans on releasing an album of their own in the future though. The band consists of a group of seasoned musicians with lead guitarist Robert Gilchrist, rhythm guitarist Tim Truitt, bassist Mike Catchpool, drummer Bryan Neipert, and vocalist Steve Kirby.

 1st Impression is all about having fun, catching some beads, and Rock N Roll!  Originally from the Quad Cities area over 10 years ago the current members consist of Lyle Harris on guitar from Rock Island, IL, Jeff Wright on bass from Davenport, IA, John Biondo on drums from Durant, IA and Becky Anson, formerly from Muscatine, now from Sweet Home Andalusia, IL!  The band has released two CDs and also has opened for nationally touring bands such as Dokken, Quiet Riot, Warrant, Pat Travers, 38 Special, Carlos Santana, Cinderella and Wasp.  This isn't your typical "girl singer" band so come to a show and expect beads, stickers, and a group of talented musicians having a blast serving up a big dish of Rock!

 Crashing the FM members are Wil Rathjen on rhythm guitar, Alex Bland singing, Joe Gruemmer on lead guitar, Chris Neff will be filling in on Bass, and our drummer is Curtis Neff. We are just a group of friends coming together to play awesome music and do what we love. We are from the li’l town of Durant Iowa, but don’t let that fool you! We will tear it up! We play a good variety of rock music from Led Zeppelin to Blink 182 and we have also started making some of our own awesome originals.

 Thunder Hooker from Dixon, IL consists of 4 singers that also happen to play instruments. Guitarists Ty Bushman and Tyler Halfacre share vocal duties with bassist Scott Webb and drummer Tim Bushman. Their repertoire includes many classic rock hits from bands like Cheap Trick, Poison, and Van Halen but they are also not afraid to play current pop tunes such as Love Story by Taylor Swift. Expect a party every time you are at a Thunder Hooker show. The Rock n' Roll Extravaganza known as Thunder Hooker was formed in May of 2010.

 Pour Boyz are a rock cover band from Muscatine.  We play a wide range of music from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, all the way up to today’s rock and occasionally we throw out a rocking little country tune!  Some may remember seeing the Boyz in last year’s B.O.B. where we finished up tied for 2nd place.  Not willing to settle we have retooled the band around original members lead guitarist Gregg Bryden and vocalist Brian Chick.  The addition of Bob Hilken on bass, Jody Metzger on rhythm guitar, and McClain Bohach on drums have really added some weight to the sound.  Heavy guitars, pounding drums, smooth bass, and crazy vocals bring a different twist to the songs you know and love.

The GRD BOB concert will commence at 7PM, Friday July 29 with special guest host “Gunner”, on-air personality of event sponsor Q106.5 KCQQ-FM. Tickets are available at the gate for just $10, with kids under 12 free w/ paid adult. The fans in attendance that evening will cast ballots to determine the overall winner, which will be announced immediately after the show.
Gates open at 5:30PM, with ample food and adult beverages on hand. Limited seating is available, so bring a lawn chair and enjoy a cool summer Riverfront concert under the shade trees with the best bands in the region, as chosen by YOU!