OMARI - named finalist in Charter’s Center Stage online battle of the bands

An Alexandria band is one of 11 finalists vying for top billing in the Charter Center Stage competition.

The online battle of the bands culminates in an outdoor concert on Saturday, October 15 at Willow Island at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin that is also streamed live on Facebook.

The winning band will open the festival, which features national acts such as Panic! At the Disco, Fitz & The Tantrums and Plain White T’s. The 10 non-winning bands receive gift cards valued at $2,500.

Omari, a hardcore metal band from Alexandria, entered the contest by submitting a video that was posted on Charter’s website for online fan voting.

With streamed videos from more than 300 bands watched by nearly a half million online fans across the country, Omari garnered enough votes in the initial round to earn them a place as one of 11 finalists.

“We are all very exited about being finalists,” said Lucas Anderson, bass player for Omari. “The kind of people we meet at our shows are such genuine people. They aren’t just fans, they are a family, bonded together because of their passion for music.”

Omari came together in 2009. The five members enjoy traveling around the Midwest playing festivals, such as the Cornerstone Festival and Sonshine Music Festival.

“Our main reason for entering was so people can see our style of music and can also hear a positive message,” Anderson noted.

“The Internet has changed the way we access and listen to music,” said Melissa Morris, vice president/general manager of Charter Minnesota. “Charter Center Stage is a great way to encourage the growth of new musical competition, and provide these talented bands the opportunity to be discovered and enjoyed on a national basis.”

Every online voter with a Charter serviceable address is entered for a chance to win prizes, including a trip to the concert, HDTVs, tablet computers, game consoles and free Charter services.

Charter worked with each of the 11 bands to produce new videos for the final voting period, which began September 18 and runs through September 25.

Visit www.charter. com/concert for more information or to place your vote.

Tags: variety, band