Got a Band? Ready to Battle?

Getting a chance to play in front of a live audience and record a professional demo are the things young bands dream about.

Looking for an opportunity? You'll want to sign up for Brookfield's Battle of the Bands, held on May 20 at Kwanis Park in Brookfield.

The winner of this sonic battle royal receives an opportunity to record a professional demo at VMR studios in Brookfield, will play at Brookfield's Independence Day Celebration concert and will be in the running to play the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The top three bands are entered into a chance to play at Brookfield Zoo events.

Applications and a $25 application fee are due by March 30. You can pick up an application at Brookfield's Department of Recreation, A Sound Education music and lesson shop (also a sponsor of the event), or download one here (see the pictures).

"It's my favorite event of the year," said Arlene Rovner, director of recreation for the village of Brookfield. "We get a really huge turnout every year."

Last year, Rovner said over 600 people showed up for the event. That's a lot more than you'd get playing in your friend's basement.

Rovner said that after a panel reviews the group's demo recordings, they will pick the 10 best to play in the battle.

"If you didn't make it last year, try again," Rovner said. "[The bands] get better every year. Our winner last year was in it before, they listened to what the judges had to say and came back to win it the next time."