The Mick Donovan Band

HAYWARD —Thirteen bands will be fighting it out under the spotlight Saturday in the 47th annual Battle of the Bands.
Once again, local bands will take the stage in front of hundreds of screaming fans at Chabot College's Professional Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd.
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District has been hosting the popular Battle since HARD former Superintendent of Recreation Leroy Pegis got it started in the 1960s.
In past competitions, battling bands have consisted of a wide cross section of age groups — from preteens to aging baby boomers. But this year, the contest is taking a distinctly youthful flavor.
"We've had an influx of younger bands," HARD Recreation Specialist Vicente Zuniga said.
Last year, the band Prove It — whose two members were 10 years old — made a guest performance and was a big hit, Zuniga said. Of the 23 bands that tried out for the Battle this year, the younger bands dominated.
"I guess they hit it off with the judges," Zuniga said.
Twelve of the 13 bands competing Saturday consist of teenagers and preteens, with only The Mick Donovan Band, from Antioch, having older members, ranging from 26 to 38.
Zephyr, of Manteca, has an 8-year-old guitarist, and Devil's Angels, of San Ramon, Danville and Concord, has members ages 13 and 14.
Mike Donovan, the lead singer of the Mick Donovan Band, described his band's style as a cross
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between 3 Doors Down and Nickelback.
He said being up against younger competition presents some challenges.
"As you get older, you realize that the youth want something else than what you want to put out and what you grew up with. You think you are going up against all this younger talent, but you have an edge because I think we've cultivated our style and we know what our strong suits are." - Contra Costa Times