Rapp, Groovelily and Jarrow Compete in Broadway Battle of the Bands May 17

By Adam Hetrick
17 May 2008

Daniel Reichard
Daniel Reichard

Theatre performers get the chance to demonstrate their rock-n-roll chops May 17 when the second annual Broadway Battle of the Bands plays the Zipper Factory.

Original Jersey Boys cast member Daniel Reichard hosts the 10:30 PM event where Broadway performers and their respective bands compete in a rock-n-roll throw-down.

Competing for the title are Anthony Rapp and his band Albinokid (David Matos, Pete Asirisi, Paul Gil and Dan Weiss); Kyle Jarrow (Hostage Song) and his band The Fabulous Entourage (Travis Chamberlain, Libby Winters, Perry Silver and Jimmy Owens); and Striking Twelve creators Groovelily (Valerie Vigoda, Brendan Milburn, and Gene Lewin).

Making special appearances will be Kacie Sheik (sister to Tony Award winner Duncan Sheik); Chester Gregory II (Cry-Baby) and his band Ancestree (Dave Cook, Deonte' Larry, D-Flat, Phil, Big C and Romel Veal); and former Spring Awakening cast member Lauren Pritchard, who will perform selections from her forthcoming album for Sony/BMG Records.

Last year's winning band was Old Springs Pike, led by Spring Awakening Tony Award winner John Gallagher, Jr.

Broadway Battle of the Bands kicks off the New York Musical Theatre Festival's Next Link Launch Party Weekend, which includes seminars and work sessions to aid participants in gearing up for the fifth annual season of NYMF, running Sept. 15-Oct. 5.

Tickets, priced $20, are available by calling (212) 352-3101 or by visiting www.nymf.org.

The Zipper Factory is located in Manhattan at 336 West 37th Street.