It''s nothing short of the ultimate experience for local bands. With a maximum amount of fans looking on bands compiled their life time of music into one night at the Metro in Chicago. Highlights came from a gorgeous bagpipe player that hooked up with three rock and rollers and called themselves “Shotgun Elvis” I don''t know how familiar you are with bagpipes and rock, but let me assure that this band had made a impact on Chicago local music in a big way. This is a band that is soaked with talent and can put it to the grind stone at the drop of a hat. They finished in a strong 3rd place in their first year in the Emergenza Festival. That there itself is an accomplishment many local bands could never touch. “Shotgun”, I commend you for laying it down like no other. It is easy to see why success is following you and will continue is the days to come. Wrapping up a 2nd place in the debut was a monster of a band called “MWC” A monster by means of size, talent and personality. I could easily stroke this band about their incredible talents for days including one ass cracking trumpet player, a percussionist for the time, dripping guitars that no fool could play and a massive attack on the drums, but I want to take a second to let you know about something this band possesses that makes them the stud collage that they are…CHARACTER. If you don''t have it, get it because it will take you a long, long way in life. “MWC”, I''m looking into my crystal ball and I see nothing but good things for a class act as yourselves. Thank you for showing others how to be passionate and care and enjoy your journey. You have set a standard that unfortunately makes a lot of other groups look pretty lame. Keep working, keep living and flex your muscle because you deserve so much of everything you get. (kind of like a Hallmark card without the pastel cardboard) Pulling off the victory was “Band Called Pharisee”. This was “Pharisee''s” second year in the Emergenza Festival and they took full advantage of what was in front of them. They will be moving onto Germany come August for a chance to be crowned world champions and continue to open doors in the business that were once not possible for them. Never falling short of skills, this band has handle themselves as true professionals each time they grace a stage. Congratulations to you! I hope that you had a chance to catch a show this year and find the many diamonds in the rough like The Redline, Maxlider, True Story, Rise of Ruin and Four the Fallen. This festival assists in the breeding of local talent and stretches that to National and International exposure. Come along again for the ride next season in Chicago starting in November this year. I thank every fan, every band, every venue and myself. We have capped off a year to remember with plenty more to come. (photo courtesy of powerwagon.net)