The fifth annual Rock N Raise battle of the bands event, produced by Hawk TV to raise money for Relay for Life, took place in the Plangere building on Friday Feb. 27. An estimated total of $350 was raised during the event.
“The event went beyond my expectations,” said Larissa Trovamala, senior communication student and producer at Hawk TV. “I truly believe that the whole crew pulled it together as a team. There was a lot of creativity from everyone and it just worked perfectly together. The band’s were all so different but had a great dynamic all around. The host’s were hilarious and the whole event was a success.”
There were both bands and acoustic performances. The bands included The Mercury Brothers and Eastbourne. The acoustic performances included Joey Affatato, BVXK, and Avery Mandeville. The winners included The Mercury Brothers and Avery Mandeville.
“My favorite part was seeing all of the bands leaving happy with their prizes, first prize of the bands won AVID PRO TOOLS& second place won a gift car to Boathoure Bar& Grill…. The winning acoustic act won time to perform at Boathouse and the rest won gift cards,” said Trovamala.
The band Eastbourne originated in Long Branch and have been together for four and a half years. They expressed how they were impressed with Hawk TV studio and were exited to help participate in Rock N Raise. “We had an interview while on WMCX and were asked to participate in the charity event. We hoped on right away, it sounded like fun for a good cause,” said band member David Castano. Their record “No Vacancy” was release on Jan. 1st.
One of the acoustic performers, BVXK, is originally from South Brunswick but recently moved to the Monmouth County area. BVXK was also impressed with the University facilities and explained, “I tried to get as many people as he could to attend. I loved making music for a good cause.” He is expecting to release an album in the early summer but does not have a date yet.
“This is an event that I have participated in for the last few years,” said Robert Scott, Specialist Professor of Communication. “The event benefits so many people. Hawk TV members are able to get the chance to produce a live show, local musicians are able to gain recognition, all while supporting Relay for Life.”
Donna Dolphin, Associate Professor of Communication, said the event creates an opportunity for students to better understand what goes in to producing a live event. “Every semester Hawk TV puts on a big live event,” she said. “Last semester was the live coverage of homecoming. The students are responsible for creating all the content and it takes months to prepare for.”
Dolphin explained how she was very proud of all the students involved with the production. “There was such a calm atmosphere, which is difficult to achieve during a live production,” she said.
Joseph Ruggiero, junior communication student and production director at Hawk TV said he thought the event was a success. “Overall, this was almost a perfect show. Everything technology wise went well and its nice to have some experience with a live production,” he said. “It’s an important event because cancer effects everyone. We wanted to help since even a little amount can assist a family in need.”
Sponsors included Bagel Guys Deli, Avid, U Subs, Red Bull, SAB, WMCX, The Outlook, and Relay for Life.
PHOTO COURTEST of Nash Weiner
