www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 6, 2007 - 21 Artscene Oakville Beaver · WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2007 21 Battle of the Bands will benefit charities By Andrew Fruch SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER On Saturday, the first Battle of the Bands Relay Dance-a-thon will be occurring at the Galaxy 707 Club, located at 475 North Service Rd. E. The event, which runs early afternoon straight through the evening, has been organized to benefit two charities, the Oakville Community Foundation Legacy Fund and the Rocks for Crops Foundation. The event is being organized by Sandy Smeenk, who is director of the Rocks for Crops Foundation and also the organizer of another event known as Oakville's Largest Rock and Roll Party. "Each year I organize Oakville's Rock and Roll Party, and a few teens asked if I would organize something for youth," said Smeenk. "Anything I organize has to have a bigger impact than just fun." Oakville teens who choose to attend this event have the opportunity to collect pledges for the charities. Those who do raise pledges are exempted from the $10 entry fee at the door. Smeenk is hoping to attract a minimum of 500 local youths to the event, but admits it could be up to three times as many. She enlisted the help of local schools to help promote the event. "I contacted the board of education and asked them if I could distribute flyers in local schools," said Smeenk. "They agreed, so I delivered a bundle of flyers with pledge sheets on the back, which were handed out to students." By enlisting the help of Revolution Music, a `plug and play' approach will be provided at the event. Musicians need only plug in their instruments and they can immediately begin to perform without having to bring or set up their own equipment. The event will be family orient- "It will be easy for parents to bring their children out. There will be lots there for them. A group of teens will be holding a soul train for the younger kids to enjoy a bit of dancing. We'll have a clown, as well as a few other things." Sandy Smeenk, organizer, Battle of the Bands Relay Dance-a-thon ed, with parents encouraged to bring their children out throughout the course of the day. However, the night portion of the event will be specifically for local teens. "It will be easy for parents to bring their children out," said Smeenk. "There will be lots there for them. A group of teens will be holding a soul train for the younger kids to enjoy a bit of dancing. We'll have a clown, as well as a few other things." Healthy eating habits of organic food will be promoted at the event and organic ice cream cones will be available. The winning band will be invited to perform as the opening act of the Oakville's Largest Rock & Roll Party. Although it has yet to be finalized, there is also the possibility of the band receiving free recording time in a professional studio. The `Dance-a-thon' portion of the event title stems from the fact that Smeenk has invited all local youth dance studios to attend. Smeenk hopes members will come out at various times throughout the duration of the event, like a relay, and perform for the enjoyment of the attendees. The Oakville Community Foundation Legacy Fund uses proceeds collected to help those from Oakville in need. The Rocks for Crops Foundation is a charity that encourages use of indigenous agromineral mining processes across the world. Its goal is to reduce hunger and poverty in Third World countries by creating an impact on the Millennium Development Goals, a set of goals created by the United Nations. In fitting with the nature of the charities being sponsored, Smeenk is hoping to organize a satellite uplink with a location in Africa that will be broadcast during the event. But on account of the difficulty in organizing a satellite uplink, a pre-recorded video will be available as backup. Smeenk would like to see the Battle of the Bands become an annual event in Oakville. She has already decided that next year's event will be geared towards the environment and the negative impact harmful environmental conditions can have on health. But for now, Smeenk hopes Oakville youth come out, have fun and support a good cause. Summer Camp Spaces Are Limited July 3rd - Aug 17th, 2007 · For campers age 3 - 14 Registration on Now Drama, Dance, Fine Arts, Crafts, Musical Theatre, Games and much, much more! See our website for complete details www.dealsonmealsauction.com COMING JUNE 8, 2007 The Greatest Local Dining Auction Event Ever! Bid for Offering The Finest in Arts Exploration and Development! GREAT DEALS on your favourite restaurants VISIT www.dealsonmealsauction.com The Oakville Academy for the Arts 1011 Upper Middle Road & Eighth Line, Oakville, Ontario L6H 4L5 Phone: 905.844.ARTS (2787) www.oakvilleacademy.com