BANFF – For the first time ever, a tie for top prize happened at Banff’s battle of the bands.
The Tommy’s Unplugged judges had heard and seen enough and decided that co-honours of the community showcase’s 10th edition on Dec. 21 would go to the Tyler Wood Band and Bow Valley Bandits.
“Both bands really deserved to win,” said Garry Gonis, organizer and local music legend. “Musically and performance-wise they were completely different, but both staged uncompromising performances.”
Taking place at Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub in downtown Banff, the two bands fought their way through preliminary and semifinal rounds of the longstanding competition that mainly focuses on the use of acoustic instruments.
The Tyler Wood Band, consisting of Wood (vocals, guitar, bass) Martin Grace (bass) and Peter Rothery (percussion), played an acoustic pop style at Unplugged with a mix of originals and covers, while the Bow Valley Bandits, punk rock duo Chase Long (vocals, guitar) and Jacob Gill (vocals, guitar), played original tunes for the crowd.
Although ending in a tie, Gonis said it was the community was the winner above all else.
“I imagine we could have moved forward to a crowd-cheering tie-breaker, but to us, it was more fulfilling for the local music community to resolve with the two winners,” said Gonis. “In fact, a stronger bond was created with the two winners realizing it’s about the music and the winnings is just icing on the cake.”
The winners each get $500 and an additional gig at Banff’s Harvest Fest in September 2023.
Runners-up at the ninth edition of Unplugged, the Bow Valley Bandits’ Long said the band checked off all the points the judges were looking for. At Unplugged, acts must showcase musicianship, stage presence, and X-factor flair to get the most points from judges.
“It feels good to be able to come back and actually win it this time,” said Long. “We were actually going to take a break and then we decided to try that one more time. We’ll stick around for a little while and we might put out some new music and stuff here.”
Back in 2019, Wood competed as a solo act at Unplugged, placing fourth.
After much of the industry was sent sideways the past few years, Wood said he is happy to be getting back at it.
“What carried us more than anything was song choices,” said Wood. “We’re good at what we do, but I think ultimately we had an entertainment factor where we mash-up songs, in the middle of the song whip out a different song and keep it a bit spontaneous.
“The biggest thing for me at Tommy’s, aside from getting up on stage, was showing the community that if you’re looking for a new guy to play gigs for them you should check me out too.”
The locals’ favourite pub has been rocking to the competition’s mountain tunes for a decade. Previous winners include Buena Hermano (April 2022), Panic Station (2019), Caitlin Connelly (2018), Kyle Pullan (2017), Tea & Biscuits (2016), The Samm Bailey Band (2015), Kill Your Radio (2014), The Shrugs (2013), and Elk Run & Riot (2012).
