This past Saturday Fans and Bands from all over the North Coast came out to the Odeon to choose the Best of the Best from the 2005 Emergenza International Music Festival. With 14 performers scheduled it was a long afternoon of great music, but only one could be crowned champion and represent Cleveland at the regional finals. And the winner is.......Emmet!!! This 4 piece from Akron won enough audience vote to place in the top 7, then recieved the highest score from the panel of judges. Standing out from the crow definately worked in their favor as they ripped through a 20 minute set of great art pop. Not only did they win the overall contest but James Pequinot took a home a brand new Senhiesser Wireless System for Best Vocalist. Drummer Mark won a set of Sabian Cymbals and they also revieved Second place Bass and a brand new OLP bass (see Emmet in the picture, courtesy of emmet.com) Speaking with guest judge Kurt Sikora of Burning Tree Media, he said it was close call all night long and this reporter definatly didn''t envy his position.Though there was only one winner, many bands put on the the best shows of the season. The best stage show was turned in again by the metal troup PKS. They were well polished and stood out amoung the rest and will continue to win over audiences in the coming year. Motter Flynn was the most improved group of the year. Playing their first three shows ever with Emergenza they are just getting started. Second place for the night went to Grendyl. Though not going to Cincy, Grendyl still walked away with a Crate GLX65 for Best Guitarist. Second Place Guitar went to Tyrone and the boys of TBS. A fan favorite through-out the competition Tyrone showed what skills can be aquired over years of practice. The were given the other bands respect and awarded a set of Snarling Dog effects pedals for the Band Award. Best Bass went out to Dave from Lick The Blade. They brought the old school metal to the show and dared anyone to try and match pitch ala Iron Maiden. My bet for best chance for radio airplay would have to go Third Nature. Their sound continues to evolve with the inclusion of Revelation. Listen for "Can''t Stop" on WMMS''s Native Noise. Mush and Caldera had strong fan support once again and they chanted all night long in support. Opening the night was Hydra. Even with a big banner, smoke machine and confetti, it was not enough to make up for a lack luster performance. Mudflower also had a great showing despite vocalist Adam loosing his voice the night prior. In true Rock Star fashion he gutted it out to the delight of the young ladies in the front row. All and all Emergenza brought to light a bunch of unknown artists to the great fans of Cleveland. In the coming year watch for them to continue to make news both on the local and national scene. So hold tight Cleveland and we'll see ya next year.