Local band Last Rezort crowned Battle of the Bands Winner

When inclement weather threatened the crowd turn-out for Battle of the Bands on Wednesday April 11, LMP Music Coordinator Jason Eckard refused to let it get him down. Rain or shine, he was going to deliver the show he knew the students had been waiting for. The bands, too. The stage and sound equipment was moved to the UC Grandroom, and the show began. Sandwiched in between other student bands, Last Rezort, a band from Robbinsville, prepared for its show. When they began playing and the Grandroom filled with ripping Southern Rock guitar riffs, the crowd was instantly energized, despite the grey clouds outside. WCU student Cody Teeskateskie delighted the fans with stunning guitar work, while lead singer Brian Mitchell kept everyone on their toes with his raspy and engaging vocals. The other members of the band include Anthony Brown on rhythm/backing lead guitar, Aaron Lewis on rhythm guitar and background vocals, Bud Jones on bass, and Israel Weeks set the pace on drums. With the crowd behind them, the band equally impressed the judges. Five other student bands competed with Last Rezort at BOTB, but at the end of the night, the three judges declared Last Rezort the best in show. As the winners, Last Rezort also played at Friday night’s Relay for Life. Brown said BOTB was an incredible experience for the band. “We were truly honored to share the stage with other talented bands. We plan to continue making music until we have inspired and ‘rocked’ the world,” Brown said. If you didn’t get the opportunity to hear the band at BOTB, check them out on their MySpace page, www.myspace.com/lastresort5. The band is also available for booking, contact Bud Jones at (828) 735-2762.