Two bands took the stage in the Kaneland High School auditorium Wednesday, November 16 to battle it out for the title of winner for battle of the bands. The show began with Timothy Larsen, a Kaneland teacher and creator of the battle of the bands competition at Kaneland, accompanying himself on a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Larsen explained that during each band’s performance a bucket would be placed at the edge of the stage where audience members could place money. All proceeds go towards the Bridget Sweeney scholarship. Whichever band raised the most money was announced the winner. The first band was introduced and the battle commenced.

Equinox was the first band to play. Sporting colorful headbands and dramatic eye makeup they played their first song “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz. Gunnar Magnuson sang lead vocals with Matt Zoppa on guitar and background vocals. The band’s rhythm section consisted of Nick Zoppa on drums and Jordan Bridge playing bass. Equinox covered Scott Weiland’s song “Interstate Love Song” for their final song of their first set. After a quick transition, their opponents were up.

Performing after Equinox is Delirium. Bass player Gabe Berger, introduced the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist Brianna Silva, piano player Ryanna Pettry, and Robert Pettry as the band’s drummer. Their first two songs that they performed where The Last Puppeteer’s “My Mistakes Were Made for You”, and “Counting Stars” by One Republic. They then ended their first set by asking for the audience’s’ help in singing “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show.

By the end of both sets, Equinox raised more money, but it’s only halfway through. Both bands have another three songs to perform.

Equinox then came back on stage to perform Nirvana’s “Lithium”. For this song, guitarist Zoppa also sang lead vocals during a chorus. Freshmen Connor Sigrist, joined Equinox on the piano for the song “Dark Necessities” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band played Projam’s “Alive” to finish their set.

For Delirium’s final set, they featured their bass player on a solo in “Little Black Submarine” by the Black Keys and a rendition of The Eagles’ “Hotel California”. To close their set they performed “The House of the Rising Sun” originally performed by The Animals’.

The winning band won by only $50. That’s a small margin compared to the total $879 raised. With a total donation of $270, Delirium won the 2016 battle of the bands.

Along with the $220 collected from Equinox and entrance fees, Larsen believes there is definitely enough money raised to support the Bridget Sweeney scholarship. Larsen started the scholarship along with his wife after the death of Kaneland teacher Bridget Sweeney. The money goes to the college found of a Kaneland student who’s going through hardships. With the tremendous amount of money earned, Larsen says they will be able to provide scholarships to two students or one student that will get a larger scholarship.

As the night drew to a close, the battle of the bands provided performance opportunities to students, musical entertainment to spectators, and immense financial support for struggling students.