Eleven music acts took the stage Saturday night at the annual Battle of the Bands, hosted by WQAQ. Ten of them were no match for Great Caesar, who took home the $300 first place prize.

Thanks to their victory, the band will now perform as the opening act at the upcoming WQAQ Spring Concert.

“This was our third Battle of the Bands and our third time placing first, so I’m glad to go out on top my senior year,” said Mike Farrell, WQAQ general manager and Great Caesar guitarist.

It was Great Caesar’s old-fashioned vibe and unique blend of rock and jazz music that won over the judges and the audience.

“Great Caesar totally deserved the win,” said Bill Scully, half of the runner-up duo Russell and Scully. “Their sets are always fun and full of energy, and they get a huge sound with the horn section.”

Wavelength was the final act of the night, and their musical abilities won them the $100 third place prize.

With a mix of rock bands, rap artists, and guitar vocalists, this year’s Battle of the Bands brought more variety than the annual competition usually attracts. In previous years, the majority of the acts were rock bands.

Sophomore Ben Goodheart enjoyed the different acts and eclectic feel brought to the competition this year.

“It was great to see so much diversity in the bands, between multiple rappers, full bands, and solo acts,” Goodheart said. “Everybody really brought something a bit different to the table.”

The night began with the freshman and sophomore duo, Gazebo. Greg Rava and Stephanie Griffin showcased their singing and songwriting skills in their performance.

Next, the hip-hop group The Roast Beafs brought a lot to the table, as senior Kevin Hillier’s obscene lyrics stimulated the crowd. They even had their own supportive fan base chanting “TRB” before the performance began.

Senior Denis Mitchell, aka “Denny Darko,” known for his “I Love College: Quinnipiac Version” and “Quinnipiac’s Blue and Yellow,” also took the stage to entertain an audience carefully listening to his creative lyrics.

Super Slam followed Mitchell with his high energy and a contemporary mix of songs.

Russell and Scully then took the stage with their acoustic guitars. The two juniors took home the $200 second place prize.

The rap duo, Mass Appeal and Praise, also displayed Quinnipiac pride with their “Live the Legend” song.

Freshman rapper Chuck Revere followed with his college party song “Wasted.” Following Revere was senior Dave Goldman. Although Goldman struggled with the lyrics, he finished his acoustic performance strong.

Rock bands proceeded to finish the lineup as the Offshore Regulars performed songs that were a mix of rock and reggae music.

Great Caesar will perform on April 16 at the WQAQ Spring Concert. WQAQ has not released the name of the headliner, but past bands include Manchester Orchestra, Murder By Death and Say Anything.

Photo credit: Charlotte Greene