History of Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands was a successful community endeavor in the 1960's hosted by our Mayor's Father (Tak Toyota) where bands from all over the Kootenays and the USA would come to battle for a grand prize, during Blossom Festival Weekend. Thousands of music enthusiasts and musicians came to Battle for a grand prize and in July of 2019 - we brought it back. It was bigger than we thought it would be.

Our Director, Velle Weitman was interviewed on CBC Radio and we were covered by JUICE FM in 5 markets from the Okanagan to Fernie BC, as well as The Black Press and My Creston Now Website. We hosted 15 bands in 3 different small business venues over a 2 day event with the draw being prize money of $1500, a music video and a recorded single. We had almost 1000 Spectators in total over the weekend to enjoy the music. We had volunteer judges and bands come from out of town.

In 2022 we would like to continue to build a platform for musicians to launch their skills, as well as participate in tourism and small business for the Creston Valley. Through the Battle of the Bands, it will be made an annual event for people from East to West and Central Kootenay to participate in. We plan to have 4 venues involved this year, and project to have up to 20 or more bands, with incredible prizes.