A mainstay of boomer weekends was a localized event known as Battle of the Bands. The format varied from place to place, with some areas holding a contest with varying degrees of involvement from the audience in an effort to crown an ultimate winner. In others, it was a convenient tag to use for presenting a concert series of local bands to an eager young audience.
Mister Boomer experienced a trek into the Medical Industrial Complex recently, and isn’t sure why this experience triggered memories of Battle of the Bands. He certainly spent many weekends listening to garage bands destroy versions of Johnny B. Goode or attempting to play the Wipe Out solo. Once the memory was conjured for him, however, he immediately mashed the two divergent experiences — from different parts of his lifetime — together into a “what if” scenario. He pondered what a Battle of the Bands might look like for aging boomers. After all, a glance at the bands that are still touring will tell you that we are never too old to Rock & Roll! (We’re talking about you, Keith Richards.)
Way back then, local band names took on the flavor of the era with names that might have been Mickey and his Meeses or The E-Flats. In our alternate universe Boomer Battle of the Bands, the band names will have to change with the times.
So, come with Mister B and explore these announcements for an imagined Boomer Battle of the Bands featuring Boomer Dad and Boomer Mom bands. Check out these line-ups for one night, er, one Saturday afternoon only, at a union hall near you:
On the main stage, see The Estro-Gens, The Vitaminstrels, Granny & the Crochets and the eclectic stylings of Dad & the Jokesters. Meander over to the second stage for an out-of-sight psychedelic presentation by Minimal Leakage and Phantom Catheter, along with Out-of-Pocket and Med & the Donut Holes.
Doors open at 11 am, so catch the early bird concert, featuring Groovy Buffet, Señor Discount and The Everlasting Turn Signals.
Coming on Sunday, see a exciting line-up of local female talent featuring The Mom-ettes, The Meta-Musils, The Tracksuit Mothers and Pam T. Hose & the Girdles.
A good time will be had by all. Earplugs and chairs are provided, and discount tickets are available at your local Denny’s.
How about you, boomers? What would be the name of your favorite Boomer Dad or Boomer Mom band?