The 2011 Pop-Country Rock' N Roll Revival Battle of the Bands, held at the Russell County Schools Auditorium Complex on Saturday, was a major success, according to Susan Melton, the events coordinator at the auditorium.

Sponsored by the auditorium and 1st National Bank of Russell Springs, the event saw more than 250 spectators in attendance throughout the day.

"The all day competition was a huge success for our first event of this nature," Melton said. "If you are searching for a band to entertain your picnics, reunions, birthday parties look no further than Russell County. We were surprised there were this many backyard entertainment acts. Some of the bands have been together since childhood and some have just formed over the last few months."

The grand prize went to Dirty Grindstone, comprised of Brandon Roush, Austin Roush, Brandon Schleter, Mike Jones, Zach Grider and Tyler Blair. They won $1,000, plus they will be the opening act for country recording group Halfway 2 Hazard on April 30th at the auditorium complex.

Dirty Grindstone have been together for four years and recently won the Battle of the Bands at the state fair in Louisville as well as the Lake Cumberland Battle of the Bands in Somerset in 2008. The group formed by just being good friends with one another, enjoyed music and wanted to compete against fellow bands.

The first runner-up was Gravel Switch while the second runner-up went to Sovereign, Melton said..

Other bands competing were Cobblestone, Boss Tweet, Southern Uprising, Wolfcreek and scheduled to compete but had to cancel due to sickness was The Hannah Ellis band.

"Several bands were approached after the show to discuss demos of their music and song writing abilities," Melton said. "This was truly an event to get some local talent noticed in the competitive world of the music industry."

Judge Bob Brickley of Triangle Talent said he was impressed with the quality of talent displayed Saturday while Judge Mark Noter of Downtown Recording Studio said he was in awe of the originality of a couple of the groups.

Judge Jeff Vice, formerly of Dreamworks and now president of Canopy Records in Nashville was so impressed with the facility and organization of the event he has scheduled a concert here by the duo Aly'an in September.

"He stated this duo is so good on April 26th country music sensation Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry will endorse and host their CD release party at his restaurant in Harrodsburg," Melton said.

Vice and Andrea, half of the duo, did live interviews Friday with 92.7 WHVE, 99.9 the BIG DAWG and 93.5 WAIN.

Ted Beckmann of 92.7 and 99.9 said "of the artist they had interviewed Aly'an is a true standout, spot on artists."

Lisa Clark, morning personality of 93.5, said "Aly'an will be very successful in the music business. They are original with a hot southern rock sound."

Vice was extremely complimentary of the local radio stations and their hospitality.

Staff organizers at the auditorium complex wish to thank the following sponsors of the event: Premium Sponsor-1st National Bank of Russell Springs, Partners in Prevention and Jamestown Resort and Marina.

Vendors at the Saturday event included Café on the Square in Columbia, the Laker Swim team-concessions, Mark Robertson with BOBOSLOGOS-T-shirts, Tonya Stargel / 31 and Scentsy, Russell County Middle School's 21st CCLC Y-Club-concessions, Kathy Foley-Avon, Gravel Switch-band merchandise and The Hannah Ellis Band-merchandise.

Melton said tickets for the upcoming events are on sale now at the Russell County Schools Auditorium Complex. One can call 270-866-6300 or email rcanc@russell.kyschools.us for more information.

Upcoming events for the facility include national country music recording artist Easton Corbin on March 26, Halfway 2 Hazard featuring opening act Dirty Grindstone on April 30, nationally-known comedian Carl Hurley on May 13 and national recording artist Justin Moore on May 19.