"We don't just throw beer pong parties," says Pong Time Productions' Doran Joseph.
The 21-year-old Miami native describes the binge-drinking-slash-sporting events he hosts with collaborator Igor Argiba (also 21 and from Miami) as "electric."
The five parties they've thrown thus far -- four at Little Haiti's Churchill's Pub and one at South Miami's Bougainvillea's -- feature raucous 16-team beer pong tournaments with $100 bar tab prizes, not to mention a full night's worth of DJs and live music.
"We create an atmosphere that simulates the dream house party," Joseph says. And on the evening of October 16, Pong Time will be extending that dream to the realm of another college staple: an ol' fashioned, cash-prize battle of the bands.
The upcoming rock and roll showdown will grant $100 to the winning act as well as a free recording session and a featured slot at an upcoming Pong Time tournament.
We asked Joseph for some battle of the bands tips, and here's what he had for us.
1. I would tell all of the bands to really practice.
Joseph makes an excellent point. Far too many bands try to get away with fake practicing.
2. Bring as much support with you as you can.
P.S. And get 'em good and hammered, so you can convince them to take out the competition in the alley behind Churchill's.
3. Don't sleep on the opportunity because you never know who will be there.
He's right. On any given night, Reggie, Saint, Crip, or The Man With No Name Or Face may be "watching your car" in the Churchill's parking lot.
4. Don't sleep on the other bands either. But don't be too competitive, use it as an opportunity to network and put your band in a better position to succeed.
Essentially, he's saying you need to vertically integrate your band's management, promotion and -- really -- entire existence with social media. Or you're nothing.
5. Everybody wants to win. But if you rock, have a great time, and meet some new people who love music as much as you do, then something good can come out of every show.
I actually think this is a quote from Confucius.
Pong Time Presents: Battle of the Bands with We Already Had Breakfast, Visioneers!, Mars and Mercury, Hissy K, Enye, The Yetis, Enzo, and whoever else signs up. Sunday, October 16. Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. Check out the official Facebook page for full details on the competition, prizes, and how to sign up. Presale tickets cost $7 via [email protected] and cover costs $10 at the door. Call 305-757-1807 or visit churchillspub.com.
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