MANSFIELD — Jeff Burgess is ready to rock with local talent on Saturday.
The owner of Burgess Music Emporium and Finderz Keeperz on the Appleseed Shopping Center is hosting the business’ first “Battle of the Bands” on May 25.
The Ohio Express will headline the lineup. Burgess has been a keyboardist and vocalist for the band for 18 years.
Other performers include Jody Odom Jr., James Deaton & The Good News Singers, CONNE and the Joe Richard Band. The judges will choose a winner of the four bands to earn $500 and a grand prize trophy.
“I’d like to do this a few times a year in the Appleseed Plaza, and I wanted to make sure we had some great ones to kick it off,” Burgess said. “Audience applause will also contribute to the winner, but it’s not going to be super competitive, we’re just there to have a good time.”
The competition judges are Tim Corwin — a founding member of The Ohio Express, Jeff Burgess, and a special guest judge.
“The Ohio Express is an example of a local band from Mansfield achieving worldwide fame, and we hope this event helps these exciting bands make their dreams come true,” Burgess said. “My goal is to help them out and make sure they don’t get ripped off in the music business.”
The event is free to attend and open from 2 to 6 p.m. Attendees should bring folding chairs if they would like to sit. There will be a stage behind Huntington Bank in the Appleseed Center.
The “Battle of the Bands” coincides with the grand opening of ACE Hardware at its new 1412 Lexington Ave. location. ACE was previously across the street and is celebrating its new space with food trucks and a 20% off sale throughout the store.
Brian Kozicki Events is producing the “Rockin’ Local First” event on Saturday and many area businesses are sponsoring it. Burgess said he’s happy to bring live music to the Appleseed Center.
“There’s music in downtown Mansfield quite a bit, but the folks who live in Lexington or elsewhere can experience it a bit closer to them,” he said.
“Special thanks to Nathan Elkayam in asset management for Infinity Equity Capital. The owners of the Appleseed Shopping Center are enthusiastic to showcase the talent of these local bands.”