Ten high school bands fought hard on Friday, February 26 at Central Ohio’s Battle of the Bands.

Groove U, a two-year music industry program in Columbus, Ohio, hosted the contest. Through two semi-finals, East and West, and two Wild Card bands, ten artists were chosen to perform at Skully’s Music-Diner on Friday. Each band was given ten minutes to show their stuff to a packed room, and then three judges would give feedback. Audience members would then vote, using ballots, for their favorite group. The audience votes counted for 40% of the overall decision.

Featuring a wide range of genres, from singer-songwriter Lauren Tucker to punk/alt. rock band Wrath of Wednesday, the event appealed to audience members of every age and type. Although only three bands won awards at the end, everyone who performed was incredible. It was hard to believe that these were high school bands.

First place was awarded to Time Out, second to Wrath of Wednesday, and third to Inner Reflection. See below for more information on all ten bands!

Here’s a small taste of what each band has to offer:

The Daves: A 5-piece punk band from Arts & College Prep Academy, The Daves sing about the LGBTQ+ community, feminism, and personal struggles.

Genre: Punk

Inner Reflection: Influenced by artists like Eric Clapton, Inner Reflection is a rock group from Watkins-Memorial High School.

Genre: Alt. Rock, Punk Rock

Lauren Tucker: Self-taught country singer-songwriter from Westerville Central High School.

Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Acoustic, Country

And More!: A refreshingly unique jam group from Olentangy Orange High School.

Genre: Experimental, Jam

Cromzz: Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School brings you hip-hop and rap, accompanied by a baritone saxophone.

Genre: Hip-hop, Rap

Time Out: A cross between Green Day (Kerplunk! era) and the Sex Pistols, from Hilliard Darby High School.

Genre: Rock

Lauren Lash: A talented Grove City High School multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who doesn’t need a backup band.

Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Acoustic

Wrath Of Wednesday: A “melodic punk rock band” from Columbus Academy and Bexley High School who continue to evolve in style and sound.

Genre: Punk, Alt. Rock

Five3: A harmonic/acoustic band, from Arts & College Prep Academy, made up of three girls (who are all 5’3″!).

Genre: Acoustic, Harmonic

North of Lane: With a style consisting of several genres, this Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights-based band performs both covers and original songs.

Genre: Alt. Rock

The contest was held benefiting Music Loves Ohio, a nonprofit existing to break the disconnect between youths “who want to pursue their passion for music” but are unable to afford it.

Check back later this week for pictures, taken by Kay Mack Photography.

Originally published on Indientry on February 27, 2016.