BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Sami Busey, 16, moshes with Raul Castro, 14, during Civica's set during the Jester's Joust Battle of the Bands in the Carson Nugget west parking lot on Saturday.
As one of the youngest bands scheduled to perform Saturday, plus missing their lead vocalist because he lost his voice, Carson City's Civica just wanted the chance to play Saturday at the Jester's Joust: Battle of the Bands fundraiser.
"We just wanted to get our name out to the public and get some more gigs," said rhythm guitarist Jeremy Comba. "We're not expecting to win, but second or third would be nice."
The alternative-based hardcore band comprised of Carson High School students had a loyal following of fans moshing and screaming support for the band's instrumental performance.
"These are my boys and I want to support them," said Sami Busey, 16. "I've been following them for about a year now."
Event coordinator Candice Chilton said the battle was going well, with many of the eight bands bringing large followings to hear them play.
"The big surprise was In Decent. They came out and had more of a crowd response that anybody," Chilton said. "But overall it's going well. We've had really good crowds all day and it will get bigger as the day goes on."
The two-day inaugural event is a fundraiser for the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada with bands performing Saturday and solo acts scheduled for today beginning at 1 p.m. The winners each day receive $500 for first prize, $250 for second prize and $100 for third prize.
"There are going to be some great solo artists. (Saturday) was really our rock day and Sunday will be more of a family-oriented event," Chilton said.
More than 700 people took part in the event Saturday with slightly less predicted for today.
Winners will be decided based on two scores. All bands will be judged by a panel of music enthusiasts, local radio personalities, and community sponsors which will count for 40 percent of their score. Everyone who attends the joust will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for a favorite performance and those scores will make up 60 percent of the total score.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
If You Go
What: Jester's Joust: Battle of the Bands, solo artists performances
When: 1-8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Nugget West Parking Lot, corner of Robinson and Carson streets
Cost: $5 for a single day pass
Call: 884-2226 for more information