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Middle and high school musicians throughout the Tri-Valley have the opportunity to record at several prestigious studios this winter -- if they can beat their peers in a battle of the bands.

The San Ramon Arts Foundation and DeliRadio.com will host a battle of the bands at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center (10550 Albion Road, San Ramon) on Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funds raised through sponsorship will be distributed to arts and music programs at each of the four San Ramon Valley Unified high schools.

"This event keeps music alive for high school teens by providing much needed funding and a performance opportunity for young musicians," a release stated.

Bands interested in competing should visit DeliRadio by Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eight to ten finalists will be judged on Feb. 16 by a panel of industry professionals as well as voting members of the live audience. All students from the San Ramon Valley as well as those from Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga and Oakland, can enter the contest.

In addition to money donated to their schools, bands are eligible to win several prizes:

Grand prize Arecording session with a producer, sound engineer and top-of-the-line gear and instruments at Opus Studios in Berkeley.

Second place A recording session with student sound engineers and supervisors plus gear at Ex'Pression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville.

Third prize Talent consulting by Shift Independent
* Grand prize and second place winners will own the masters to their recordings and receive all the digital files from the sessions.

Bands already set for battle are Exmiss, Odd Job, Rundown Radio and My Own Confusion from San Ramon and Pleasanton's The Anchormen. For a sneak preview of the rock 'n' roll in store on Feb. 16, click here.

Minute 2 Midnight, a San Ramon band and winner of the 2012 battle, will perform at the event as well. Tickets are $10 and are on sale at the San Ramon Performing Arts Center website.

Supporters who wish to sponsor the event should contact Mark Ballock or Imelda Alejandrino.

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