Broadway Battle of the Bands gives Broadway performers the chance to show off their rock 'n' roll chops. Last year's winning band was Old Springs Pike, led by Spring Awakening Tony Award winner John Gallagher, Jr. This year's battle will begin at 10:30 PM at the Zipper Factory.

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 Spring Awakening cast member Lauren Pritchard, who will perform selections from her forthcoming album for Sony/BMG Records.

Daniel Reichard originated the role of Bob Gaudio in the hit musical Jersey Boys at the La Jolla Playhouse, repeating his work for Broadway. Reichard made his New York debut in Forbidden Broadway: 20th Anniversary Celebration and then played Keith Haring in the Public Theater's Radiant Baby. He appeared Off-Broadway in The Thing About Men and in the City Opera presentation of Candide.

The May 17 concert kicks off NYMF'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.