The Hi-Tone has seen a lot of stellar bands take the stage through the years, and this night saw the most outstanding unsigned acts from the Memphis area rip it up and set it off! Cayerio set the bar for the night, and they set it high! The lyrics were packed with energy and the band was extremely tight. The crowd got on their feet early to the funky grooves and tasty sounds of Cayerio! Our second band to grace the stage was The American Radio. Their pop-indie-rock sound gave the house a “feel-good” aura. The vocals were unadulterated and tantalizing, and the hooks flowed like water. Cornerstone rocked the house next with original mid-south rock. The sound was a mix of Alice In Chains and Creed with a touch of Nirvana. Potential’s Burden took the stage 20% lighter without the bass player, but provided much entertainment nonetheless. The songs were pensive and dreamy, with an edge for the “green”. The female vocalist complimented the male well, and the sound was really solid! Our middle band of the night, Pengea, balanced the teeter-totter with some surreal modern-rock with searing female vocal leads. The talent here is rich, and this band is definitely going to make some magic happen! The Tim Terry Experience laid out a funky, soulful mix of R&B-make-ya-wanna-smack-yo-mama music that tickled the feet and got the crowd on the dance floor. The vocals were smooth and the harmonies were sexy, and the band was so in the pocket you can call ‘em change. Our next band was none other than Couchfire, which reminds me of my college days… but I digress. This three-piece was bringing sexy back with the two male members sporting three-piece suits and the bass player throwing down a sexy militant look with the skirt and fishnets. Where is my focus… oh yeah! The music. They rocked with a grunge-influenced sound all their own, and the crowd definitely appreciated it! Hey Heidi-Rae came with the intensity attributed to champions, and no one doubted their presence. The vocals were intense, the stage presence outstanding, and the rock was fabulous! We wrapped this powerful final with the sounds of The Avenue. They displayed what makes them a superb band with aggressive vocals and powerful guitars, and they made a perfect end to a great night of Memphis’ best! Cayerio will be heading to St. Louis for the next final, so we wish them the best of luck! One Love,