Houston''s finest gathered in one location, to entertain the masses and compete for a shot at the Regional Final in Austin. The crowd was absolutely enthusiastic, the bands were supremely talented, and the beer was ice cold. Oh, and did I mention the show was at the famous and historic Fitzgerald''s? Was it a good night, though? Well, let''s take a look back. We opened this night with a very special guest band, Scarcella 31. Now, these guys were knocked out of the competition element, but due to the overwhelming response from their first show and the talent level of such a young group, we asked them back to open the night. They played a great set, and got the crowd properly excited for our first competing band of the night, the Jones Family Singers. Without a doubt, their skills are unmatched in Houston, and Texas for that matter. Incredible vocals harmonies rested perfectly atop the rhythm section as they grooved though their set. Seraphim took the stage next, giving us an excellent set of gorgeous melodic instrumental music. Their sound is passionate and graceful, with an aim for the clouds. These guys need no vocals; their instruments sing perfectly. Violent Iris followed, with a ver solid set, accented by great guitar harmonies and powerful vocals. Guy played some great behind-the-back guitar solos! Our second but very different instrumental band, Tridium hit the stage with the force of a truck. Youth has it''s benefits... like having lot''s of time to practice. Awesome set, and even without vocals they melted the faces of the crowd. Sarah Golden''s soulful, intoxicating, bluesy vox and great accenting from the electric guitar and percussion grabbed the attention of the crowd at Fitzgerald''s. She put on an all around superb set! God took note of the power on the stage, but the devil made ''em do it. Lay to Waste rocked the house with outstanding energy and heavy vocals. Westborn... there is no way they are that young because that level of talent is not possible. They have been former blues greats who passed away and were reincarnated. I''m certain of it. Since the Ashes was a monster truck of energy, smashing all the other cars on the road. Yeah, I know, that''s my second truck reference, but it''s appropriate. STA blew the windows out with awesome guitars and solid rhythm section over a humongous vocal sound. Attached stepped up next with a great set of fresh original material. There is a very good natural flow with these guys... a real pleasure to hear and see. Monsters on the Wall put on a captivating show with grea presence all around and solid original material. Regressive memory had a great look, and a solid performance to back up the fresh gear. Great work from their backline as well! Tantalizing bass licks and steady guitar highlighted Stalking Chloe''s excellent set, all kept in line by their superb drummer. Our final band of the night, Jadewood, treated the fans to some samples of their new demo they released that night, and presented an excellent melodic rock set. When the dust settled, Since The Ashes moved on to represent Houston at the regional final in Austin. I hope you will be there; it''s gonna be one hell of a show. One Love,