Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands is a one-night event where youth of all ages compete in front of guest judges for prizes. This event welcomes both post-secondary and high school students to perform a short set in front of a live audience. In the past, we’ve hosted this event at Marketplace Square and The Broom Factory. For the 2025 season, we’ll be returning to The Broom Factory! The event will be held on Saturday April 26th, 2025 at 7:30 PM. The bands included in this year's line up are below.

Two Time

TwoTime is an indie rock band, formed in the summer of 2024.
The band consists of four seasoned but young musicians from the local scene who have played in youth bands such as Zen, Fogroom, and Nonesuch Luck. Known for their infectious originals, it is undeniable that it's time... to TwoTime!
They also really like Taco Bell...
Ibister

Isbister is a high-energy rock trio from Kingston, Ontario, blending gritty riffs with indie alternative vibes. Formed by brothers Riley Fitzgerald (bass/vocals) and Sam Fitzgerald (guitar) along with lifelong friend Nicholas Chaput (drums), their sound is shaped by a shared history and a love for powerful music.
Influenced by bands like Kaleo, The Black Keys, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Greta Van Fleet, Isbister fuses raw rock energy with introspective indie moments. Their music is dynamic, balancing bold rhythms with calming breakdowns, and adding a touch of pop sensibility for a fresh feel.
Isbister has been building a local presence, releasing an EP and several singles—each home-recorded and produced by Sam Fitzgerald. Their DIY approach reflects their passion and commitment to their craft.
Whether blasting high-octane energy or offering a laid-back groove, Isbister’s music showcases their unique sound and chemistry.
Not Yet

Not Yet is high school aged band consisting of students from Belleville, Ontario, jamming together for the past year playing everything from The Beatles to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Maroon 5.
Not Yet’s journey started in Napanee, and since then, they’ve rocked the Shannonville Fair, Belleville’s Porchfest and even made an appearance on Amherst Island Radio.
Meet the band: Mya Wright (vocals), Finn Dutton (drums). Liam Batten (bass). Isaac Whalen (guitar) and introducing our newest member- Malachi Green (rhythm guitar)!
The Curiosos

The Curiosos are an alt-rock band, formed in November 2024. Despite The Curiosos’ only recently forming, they have played together in various school bands since 2021.
Recently, The Curiosos tragically lost a founding member, Kale Clark, who wrote and sang their signature song, Radiowaves. The Curiosos want to honour Kale by continuing to create and play music. The band primarily plays covers, but have also improvised and written songs.
Nate The Nobody

Nate The Nobody, formed in 2022 in Napanee, Ontario, is a high-energy youth band known for its raw, authentic sound. The group gained local recognition playing festivals like Juvenis, Howe Island Rockin’ the Rock, Music by the River, and U20 Rockfest.
Lead singer and songwriter Ethan Stein, who will graduate from Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program this spring, has been the creative force behind the band. Ethan has refined his craft while performing at notable venues like Aeolian Hall and London Music Hall. His bandmates, all skilled multi-instrumentalists, have also gained experience in various musical projects, including Canada’s Teen Jam at TD Music Hall. With fresh material and renewed energy, Nate The Nobody is poised to take Eastern Ontario by storm, bringing their powerful live presence and passion for music to the Canadian music scene.
The Jade Peter Band

The Jade Peter Band is making waves in the Kingston rock scene, fronted by powerhouse vocalist Jade Peter, whose commanding stage presence recently earned praise from LoudTO, saying she "looks like a rock star." Backed by seasoned musicians, the band delivers high-energy performances that blend raw emotion with a fearless rock-and-roll attitude. Their tour de force at Canada’s Teen Jam at TD Music Hall proved they’re more than just up-and-comers—they’re contenders.
With Jade’s soaring vocals and the band’s tight musicianship, they’ve set a new standard for emerging rock acts in Eastern Ontario. Now, The Jade Peter Band is ready to bring that energy to Kingston—a city with a deep rock legacy. With fresh original music and an electrifying live show, they’re here to claim their place on the scene.
Sound Chamber

Sound Chamber is the latest band to emerge from the Harmony Lounge & Music Club, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of young musicians ready to make waves. As the first band to develop their own brand in our digital media hub, Sound Chamber is more than just a group - it’s a movement.
Now, they’re gearing up to hit the studio at Harmony Lounge to record their debut release, “Gasoline” - a track that promises to capture their high energy sound and raw authenticity.

Prizes

For bands competing in the High School Division (TwoTime, The Curiosos, Not Yet, and Sound Chamber) the first place band will receive:

A paid performance at U20 Rockfest in August courtesy of Michelle Hauser and Harmony Lounge and Music Club
One recorded rehearsal session at Evergreen Recording Co. (up to four hours including set up and tear down), including use of professional level backline, guided set-up and monitor/headphone mixes, and professional-quality live-off-the-floor recordings of the rehearsal, including up to 3h of additional mixing and edits for demo purposes courtesy of The Wilderness

For bands competing in the Post Secondary Division (Nate the Nobody, Jade Peter, and Isbistër) the first place band will receive:

A paid gig at Saturday Sessions gig on August 9th courtesy of Jan MacDonald and Downtown Kingston
Recording and production of one original single from Evergreen Recording Co., including: Three hours of rehearsal/pre production time at Evergreen, separate to tracking, with guided set-up and monitor/headphone mixes, and production assistance. One day of tracking, including use of any in-house equipment, engineering services from Jonas Lewis-Anthony, and session performance as applicable from in-house musicians Nicholas Lennox & Hank Lawrence. Up to one additional day of mixing, edits, and revisions if necessary.

For the remaining five bands we have an Overall Runner Up prize which includes:

A keyboard courtesy of Joe's M.I.L.L.
An $100 Long & McQuade gift card
A $150 Kingston Music merch package and a free artist consultation with Marketing 101 assistance courtesy of Moira Demorest and Tourism Kingston

Click here to view BOTB's digital program

This year’s theme is Moonlight Haze!

Meet the Team

Youth Project Leader
Growing up in and around Kingston influenced Hannah’s decision to study music at Queen’s University. Hannah served in many roles while pursuing their Bachelors of Music. From Vice President of the DAN School Undergraduate Society, to Production Manager for the DAN Exposition Project, or even as Stage Manager for the Student Artist Series — they have gained managerial experience working with performers. Their next project will be working with Blue Canoe as a Youth Project Leader for the Battle of the Bands. This opportunity allows for the perfect marriage of their experience! Their years of listening to emo and rock music has influenced their style, and they are excited to work with Serena to host an awesome show for the 2025 festival.

Buy Tickets Here

(she/her)
Youth Project Leader
Ferzli is a musician, singer, song writer, composer, actor, curator, producer and vocal coach. Serena founded the DAN Exposition Series at Queen’s University, a project dedicated to producing student written works of staged music. Serena has a vast history of preforming rock, punk, pop, Music Theatre, Opera and classical works. As the founder of the DAN Exposition Project, she is no stranger to large productions and creative collaborations. Serena graduated from Queens University, receiving a Bachelors of Music with a specialization in Vocal Performance.