‘Battle Of The Bands’ Benefit Scheduled

GRAND SALINE—A "Battle of the Bands" event will take place Saturday, Jan. 9, starting at 6 p.m. at the Grand Saline Chamber of Commerce Pavilion.

The musical competition is a benefit for the families of the Fort Hood Fallen, the 12 soldiers and one civilian killed at Fort Hood by a fellow soldier on Nov. 5.

Event coordinator Tricia Carver said five bands had signed up as of Wednesday and she is looking for others to take part.

Admission to the event is $10 per person, no exceptions, with gate proceeds going to the Fort Hood Fallen.

Part of the band entry fee of $100 will go toward cash prizes in the competition. The winning band will also get to perform at the Masquerade Mardi Gras Ball in March in Grand Saline, as well as at another upcoming event.

Carver said she also is bringing in a karaoke system for an open karaoke contest. Songs will be performed between band sets at the event, she said.

Barbecue and soft drinks will be available at the event.

For Carver, the desire to coordinate a benefit for the families of the victims at Fort Hood was natural.

"I have a son who just got out of basic training in the Army, so what happened at Fort Hood in November was a big scare. It just hit home where it was and how it could happen," she said.

"Thinking about our soldiers, it seems they do so much for us but they are not paid that much respect. So it was on my heart real big to do something for them," Carver added.

"It might not be much, just a little bit, but it was really on my heart to do something for them because of the sacrifices they make for us," she said.

Carver said she has prior experience coordinating "Battle of the Bands" competitions as a former manager of a Planet Hollywood restaurant.

"I think it is going to be fun and I want it to be an annual event," she said.

Bands wanting to enter the competition can call Carver at (903) 363-7303.