by John Johnson, photos by Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photography

Back in the day we used to have high school talent shows, even my band Babyface enjoyed a couple, and those eventually morphed into Battle of the Bands competitions. With the decades of talent and with the multitudes of extremely capable musicians in the Bay Area, it’s kind of cool to see them make a resurgence. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, along with local radio station 97x, have once again joined forces to sponsor Hard Rock Rising – Tampa, a Battle of the Bands Competition. An annual event they started back in 2017 that showcases bands from in and around Tampa. This past October 28th, three finalists and one wild card group were announced, and last night (Wednesday November 19), the four bands performed on The Hard Rock Cafe stage. There were five categories included in the judging criteria – Originality (30 percent), Musicianship (30 percent), Vocal Ability (20 percent) and Marketability (20 percent). The judges for this years competition were on-air personalities from 102.5 The Bone, Drew Garabo and John Senning, and the Hard Rock’s own Director of Talent and Events, Steve Minnick. Hosting the night’s festivities was the cosplay chameleon and super cool Hard Rock Entertainment Manager, Alexis Roos. Along with immense exposure, radio play, and a custom Telecaster as a trophy, the winning group will open next year’s 97x Next Big Thing on the main stage in front of thousands of rabid rock devotees.

The four young up and comers for 2025 were finalists Eleni and the Uprising, Nicaea and the Saints of Saturn, with Wild-Card entry Face the Fence starting off the night of “go for the gold” fueled performances. These ‘kids”, probably ranging in ages from 17 to 27, did exactly that, they went for it all and played (and sang) their hearts out. Now, like art shows and vocal competitions, I always find it difficult to decide “winners” due to the fact that art and music are so subjective. And it was sad to know that there was going to be one group crowned the winner, while three other, very worthy groups, were going to go home relatively empty handed. However, as cliche as it may sound, there’s definitely a lot to be said for the “just being nominated” aspect and make it all the way to the finals. And after speaking with several band members before and during the event, I realized just how much this would mean to each of them. I mingled through the crowd, with musicians and individual band family members, fans and groupies milling about, and it was electric. I grabbed as many of the performers as I could, and asked them, “What would winning the Battle of the Bands mean to you?”.

Since I was already conferring with them, because I have known these lads for years now, the guys from Saints of Saturn (formerly Sick Hot and The Dirty Janes) stepped up to answer my query first. Nik Wilson, singer and lead guitarist, chimed in with “It would be the perfect opportunity to play to bigger and broader audiences…just play our music for everybody.” Bassist Christopher Erickson was borderline sappy (albeit sincere) with his response of “It would mean the world to us because we would share it with our friends.” I decided I’d throw a curveball at drummer Cory Bernardi and ask him the Monty Python-esque “What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?” And without missing a beat, and way too young to get the reference, he simply and assuredly replied “Nine point eight meters per second.” I was astonished. I’m sure that’s not the correct answer, but my alarm was due to the fact that he answered it with some semblance of confidence, and actual numbers. It’s always risky when you ask rock “stars” a question, in a loud room mind you, that contains the word “swallow” and get an answer that isn’t R-Rated. Regaining my composure, I asked him the actual question and he answered with a slight chuckle “It would mean that our hard work paid off in the end and there’s hope”. Indeed, well said Mr. Bernardi, as I have witnessed first hand just how hard these guys have worked at their craft. Finally, second guitarist, Brandon Chacon finished up with sage words by extolling “It would mean that people still have an actual true appreciation for real music, man. All these acts here are amazing and their crafts are…it’s real music. Instruments. It’s all about putting your heart out there. It’s all about REAL music.” Indeed it is Brandon.

As I turned to enter the masses, I immediately ran into the fetching female duo from Nicaea. The six member group that I have caught a number of times around town, and they always deliver. The diminutive, dark haired Gabby was first on the docket to answer my inquiry. “It would mean everything,” she said without hesitation “this is my life, I don’t have a job…THIS is my job.” She informs me that the unique band name originated from a club that their manager used to frequent. “N.I.C.A.E.A” she spells for me and follows with “Pronounced like “nice to see ya”. Standing next to Gabby was her slightly taller, and blonde partner in vocal duties, Taylor. “Like Gabby said, it would mean everything. Promoting the band. Sharing our music with people that love our type of music.” No surprise that they responded similarly because they jibe so well together, whether it be on stage or off, singing covers or belting out one of their many originals. When these two are on stage, with their five male counterparts, their movements and vocal flow are as fun to watch as it is to hear.

The show began with Face the Fence, the Wild-Card entry, and four piece alt rock group that left it all on the stage, setting the pace for what was sure to be a fun night of burgeoning young talent. After their performance I was able to throw the question at bassist Mikey. “It would mean everything (a popular response) for me and the band. We’ve been playing a long time. Rehearsing and progressing. It would mean a whole hell of a lot. Coming this far has been cool. But winning this whole thing would be another thing entirely.” I mention to him how cool it must be to have the Wild-Card spot, he says with pride “Yeh, it was awesome to get that spot. And I’m really happy with our performance.” I assure him that he should be proud and they set the bar pretty high to kick things off. Cherubic, long haired, 18 year old guitar shredder Brett, also from Face the Fence, chimed in with “It would mean that all our hard work paid off.” From a musical family, and starting out on piano, the hard work along with genetics proved to be another contributing factor.

While third performers Nicaea played, I was able to ask James and the exceedingly energetic front-woman Eleni from Eleni and the Uprising the same question. Hailing from Buffalo, I inform her I’m not upset about what the Bills just did to my Bucs, she replies with a sweet chuckle “I’m sorry…” she continues “It would mean the world. Honestly, we’re so happy to be here. The last two years we were selected as Wild-Card artists, so we’re just honored to be here in the first place.” With an infectious demeanor and sweet sincerity she gushed, “We worked so hard and love the music, so it’s nice to see other people loving it too.” I thank them for their time, congratulate them on their placement and thank them for their high energy set.

Rounding out the night, local foursome Saints of Saturn hit the stage in all their vintage rock star regalia, and they delivered a hard rocking set, as they always do. Their five song set of originals was accompanied by their trademark hair flinging and retro fueled fury. The Saints duel guitars meld and accent each other with panache, while Cory and Chris hold down the backend with fervor. They pulled off their usual stage domination in style, even within the curious guidelines of the ironically strict Hard Rock (no drinking, no swearing and not so aggressive drum bashing). Honestly, all four sets were impressive and each shined in their own ways, so I did not envy the judge’s positions.

After about thirty minutes or so, the time had come to discover who was going to win the 2025 Hard Rock Rising, Battle of the Bands. The judges had narrowed it down to two finalists, Nicaea and Saints of Saturn, and the members of said groups took the stage and flanked the charming master of ceremonies, Alexis. In black and white striped blazer and turquoise hair, she thanked all the entries. “You all brought so much energy. So much creativity. Thank you for what you guys do. You guys absolutely killed it. NEVER stop playing.” And without further ado and with an audience participated drumroll, she proclaimed “This years Champion is…Saints of Saturn!” And the crowd went wild. I don’t think anyone was overly surprised, as SoS is a little more polished and road tested than the other groups. However, the three other finalists were all worthy and extremely talented and should be very excited and proud. Judging by the fact that they all have obviously grown up with a love of music, and had supportive family members that shared their admiration and devotion for music and “actual instruments”, they will persevere. So thank you Nicaea, Eleni and the Uprising, and Face the Fence, and I encourage all live music lovers to experience any and all of these amazing young performers if given the opportunity. If not to continue to support their obvious hard work and dedication, but to help maintain their respect and infatuation with LIVE MUSIC.

Now, go out and See, Hear and Feel Live Music