The 2017 Battle of the Bands at the Bath Half

It’s not long now until the 36^th Bath Half marathon, and a lot of very good music!

On Sunday 12^th March 15,000 runners will take to the streets of Bath to run, jog and walk the route for

pleasure and in many cases also for charity. However, it’s not only the runners themselves who’ll be there. As well as the staff and volunteers who help to make the marathon possible by handing out water bottles, directing runners, taking photos, and a vast myriad of other important tasks of which there are simply too many to mention, there are also all of the spectators lining the course and cheering the participants on. It’s an awesome event to be a part of, and the atmosphere for all involved is incredible year after year.

A few years ago the race organisers decided to add to the carnival atmosphere with a Battle of the Bands competition, and this year it’s back once more. At different locations around the route seven very different bands will be playing in the hope of impressing the runners as they pass (twice as it’s a two lap race), as they will be able to vote for their favourite in a runners’ poll after the race. The winning band who gets the most votes will win a £500 cash prize and a chance to play on BBC Radio Bristol.

So, bearing in mind that not everyone likes every genre of music, we’ve been having a look at the bands who’ll be playing and where they’ll be; in case that helps you to decide where you’d like to watch the marathon from. 

Harlem Rhythm Cats at The Victoria Pub and Kitchen on Upper Bristol Road

A Boogie-Woogie and Blues band with a vintage feel and a fantastic female vocalist. Expect the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, and discovering that you have a sudden urge to start dancing. 

Cobolt Collision at Andrews Estate Agent on Newbridge Road

This is a four-piece alternative rock band who focus on producing original material. They blend heavy drums and bass with catchy riffs and powerful vocals. They are currently in the process of recording their debut album, Saints & Sinners at Castle Rock studios in Manchester.

           

The Rosa Gray Band at Way Ahead Care Centre on Lower Bristol Road

The Rosa Gray Band are local favourites who are all about feel-good upbeat jazzy pop with a soul vibe.  They’ve been together since 2012 and in the past they’ve headlined at Bath’s Party in the City and supported at The Special Olympic’s Opening Ceremony. 

     

All Out Of Milk at Bath Carer’s Centre on Lower Bristol Road

All Out Of Milk are fourth year students at the University of Bath. The trio play ukulele, acoustic guitar, and electric bass. Expect to hear covers ranging from Frank Sinatra to Ed Sheeran!

The Corporations at Toyota Dealership on Lower Bristol Road

Eclectic is the word for The Corporations. If you’re not sure what you’d like to listen to, this band might be a good one to go for as they play everything from funk and soul, to pop, Motown and modern. Above all they play music that makes you want to dance!

     

Batala Bristol at Green Park (near Sainsburys)

This is a giant samba band with a big voice! Hardly surprising seeing as how Batala Bristol is an international collective of multiple samba reggae groups. They’ll be bringing the Brazilian carnival atmosphere to Bath with infectious drumming in a style right from the north-eastern Brazilian state of Bahia.

Red River Hogs at Churchill Bridge (near Bath Spa train station)

A four-piece West Country band with hints of 1970s blues rock, and some old school R&B classics. Although, having said that, they also play plenty of their own original material too. A good choice for Rolling Stones fans.