Nina & Lou Poanessa
David E. Michael Distinctive Homes, Inc.
Summing Point Studio
A panel of five judges which included Molly’s brother Patrick Finn, musicians Leroy White, Scott Krous and Mark Quinn and Newport Blues Cafe booker Jim Quinn awarded first prize to Milkbread, the only band that performed in the competition previously. Milkbread was also the largest assemblage with seven bandmates: Ben Shaw, Dylan LaGumma, Dylan Sevey, Brandon Moore, Chris Gagnon, Matt Reagan and Seth Bailey. The band formed at the University of Rhode Island. The bandmates and are a group of Jazz majors and players who got together to make a unique brand of Hip-Hop. After over a year of dedication and gigging they released their first EP, and still continue to stand by the credo of “bringing thought provoking, theoretically complex and emotionally moving music to the masses.”
Milkbread received six hours of recording time with Scott Rancourt at Summing Point Studio and their own 2012 concert at Ballard Park as the first place winners.
Also performing at the 5th Annual Molly Finn Battle of the Bands was JJKendoo of Middletown, RI. The youngest band to play, JJKendoo featured Jake, Kenzie and Julia Lapham. Bristol teenagers Tyler Falcoa, Ryan Falcoa and Tom Hanson then performed under their band name The 1st Time Around followed by Chukka of Jamestown, a group performing classic rock and folk that included Andrew Alveledo, Derek Delahunt, Ben Taylor, Greg Maloozi and Alex Pendergrass. The most seasoned musicians were Michael McKenney, John Toste, Clem Brown and Bruce Gavin. All members of Funny Little Planet are from Tiverton, RI. Rounding out the line up were Newport-based bands Designated Driver which included Jon Santos, Mike Cassese, Zack Rego and Mark Carey and art rockers Castle aka Dave Passafiume, Craig Crawford, Mike Cellemme, Noah Bickford and Jenn Bessin. It was Castle’s second time performing at Ballard Park as the band generously volunteered to play at a Yoga Mala Fundraiser in the beginning of the Summer.
As in past years, Friends of Ballard Park held a logo design contest in conjunction with the event. Trevor Morgera, a senior at Rogers High School won the competition. Trevor said his graphic design teacher David Connell told the class they should design something original and that is exactly what appealed to the committee who felt Mr. Morgera’s design was modern and unlike any they had seen in previous years. Mr. Morgera’s logo appeared on all signage for the event, t-shirts worn by volunteers, the cover of the program booklet and all promotional materials for the event.
Midway through the event, City Councilor Justin McLaughlin took to the stage to present a proclamation declaring September 17, 2011 “Molly Finn Battle of the Bands Day” in the City of Newport. The proclamation noted how close to two hundred musicians ranging in age from 11 to 59 years old have performed at the Molly Finn Battle of the Bands over the past few years and members of these bands have received valuable lessons in performing, recording time at local studios, press coverage, additional concert opportunities and recognition of their talents. It also recognized the community’s involvement in the event over the years and thanked Kiki Finn, her family, friends, the deciated volunteers and sponsors for creating a quality event which engaged area teens in a positive manner and helped transform Ballard Park into a vibrant performing space.
Also on hand for the event was Carol Ballard and her daughter Leslie Ballard Hull. Mrs. Ballard donated the thirteen acres now known as Ballard Park to the City of Newport on October 30, 1990. She has been a dedicated supporter of the myriad of free, family-friendly events which have taken place at Ballard Park over the years.
The event is named for Newporter Molly Finn who was working with Friends of Ballard Park in 2006 to organize a battle of the bands event for local youth. Prior to the event taking place Molly was lost at sea aboard the Free Spirit when the boat ran into a storm during a trans Atlantic voyage. Friends and family members of Molly helped to organize the 1st Annual Molly Finn Battle of the Bands which attracted 750 people in July 2007.
The 5th Annual Molly Finn Battle of the Bands was sponsored by Dave Michael Distinctive Homes, Kiki Finn, Stagecraft Sound & Lighting, CAT Entertainment Services and Lou & Nina (Bestoso) Poanessa.
The event was captured by award winning videographer Rich Talipsky. An edited version of the 5th Annual Molly Finn Battle of the Bands will be shown on local cable access.
