Bayport Band Awake in the Fire Wins Battle of the Bands

Bayport band Awake in the Fire recently won the Battle of the Bands competition at Black Rock Tavern in Yaphank.  They advanced to the final round after beating two other bands in the first round, which was held in June. 

The prize was ten hours of recording time, a professional photo shoot and four paid shows at Black Rock Tavern.

Three bands were slated to perform:  Awake in the Fire, Mid Morning Circus and Old School. Old School dropped out last minute, leaving just two bands to battle for the coveted prize.

"It was intense.  Basically, it was a head to head competition and everyone was psyched," said John Corona, Black Rock Tavern events manager.  "They came in with an even tighter set than the last time and it showed.  They won almost two to one."  According to Corona, more than 70 people voted.  The winner was judged based on the amount of votes they got in a secret ballot.    

During Awake in the Fire's allotted 30-minute performance time they played fan favorites "17" and "Shreditor," among others.

"Everyone came in from outside when they played.  I didn't hear one person say they didn't like the performance," said John Altman, a fan of the band and guitarist Mike Altman's brother. 

Audience members danced when Awake in the Fire performed, according to one fan.  "There was a guy with crazy, long hair and you just saw this long hair going up and down," said Shannon Riggio, sister of guitarist Kevin Riggio and the band's official photographer. 

Awake in the Fire plans on using the ten hours of recording time from the Battle of the Bands prize package as well as additional time they will purchase by pooling their money.  The band also would like to invest the money from the four paid shows at Black Rock Tavern into recording.  Dates have not been set for those performances, according to Corona.    

The band refuses to put a deadline on recording their album, saying that they may not even enter the studio for a while.  "We want to get everything perfect before going into the studio," said Kevin Riggio.

After the band records, they said they want to get their music to people who will appreciate it, and then worry about the mass market.  "We want our music pressed, duplicated, wrapped and bar-coded up so that we can sell it in stores," said Mike Altman, laughing. 

The band has a plan for achieving their goals - and the first step was winning Battle of the Bands.  For now, Awake in the Fire is happy with their win.  "It was good to accomplish something based on our talents.  It felt rewarding," said Mike Altman.