Fourteen bands, fourteen sets, fourteen sound checks, fourteen collective ambitions and fourteen kicks at the can, but only one cowboy has the quick draw and the guts to pull the trigger, and that rough rider is called WOKE UP IN VEGAS, who will saddled up to play in the Detroit finals. I can also add we had fourteen winners; the best of the best in Buffalo playing at the Sphere, here''s the run down. UNSTABLE: cranked out hard rock and metal, with the bass and drums giving the guitar and vox a very stable platform to wank on. SYXSYCSYCOS: hard to spell but easy to listen to, metal at it''s finest, killer vox tons of attitude and an insane drummer who played tight as hell. RED HERRING: played a wicked set of alternative rock and sweet songwriting thrown in to kick up the notches. TOO LATE: came out strong with a style they call American Rock, but it sounded like punk to me, witch is a good thing, it shows we are evolving. WHEEEZING STUMBLERS: faux-hawk intact on the head of the lead singer, stage presence to match these boys threw down some fine ass skate punk and made me whistle “Dixie”. THE FOUND: not the most original name for a band but this group makes it work, witch proves great names are not thought of, they are made like the bricks of a shit house. ADDICTIVE TRAGEDY: four girls making some serious noise, with a mix of eighties and nineties riffs, I have always said there should be more women in rock and roll. VACANCY: signature baritone guitar work and bang on vocal harmony plus smooth songwriting easily make this band a Buffalo favorite. FORTY CENTS FLAT: old skool hard rock, a bass player that resembles Sasquatch and a pile of dedicated fans, how can it miss? SOUNDSCAPE PROJECT: dynamite trio with a big sound that won''t escape really caught the crowd''s attention with their progressive style and vibe. REXX BANNER: this band has come a long way since the Mohawk, energetic stage presence tight horn section ska style and matching suits for a little extra. STANDARD OF LIVING: defiantly the most original band of the night with razor sharp keyboards and good songwriting will take these guys a long way, and if you own their cd you will be pleased, so go and get one. THE UNWANTED SUPER HEROS: big band with a big sound, plus punishing guitar work and a bigger than life front man, it was a solid combination and a well deserved second place spot. WOKE UP IN VEGAS: they came and conquered, amazing vox, songwriting, and visual action gave this crew the first place position and a trip to Detroit, very well done. There you have it, the EMERGENZA Buffalo scene said and done, support these bands when they gig and promote they are stars of tomorrow and we must help them find their destiny, because when it is time to have the dual we don''t want them to take a bullet between the eyes…yippee ki ay!