_{By Zach Collier}

After a rousing Battle of the Bands experience at The Boardwalk in Orem last month, we’re ready to sink our teeth into another flagship event in the Provo music scene. Velour’s Battle of the Bands has formed hundreds of bands over nearly two decades, with several of them going on to achieve massive success. It’s one of the most important talent incubators in the Utah music industry.

This week, Velour Live Music Gallery announced the lineup for their Summer 2023 Battle of the Bands. After listening to over 60 demo submissions, they chose the following acts:

Monday 6/5

1. Aurhe
2. Parade the Bug
3. Jamboree
4. The Mellons

Tuesday 6/6

1. Lighten Up, Francis
2. Antelope Island
3. Jumpmonk
4. Comply or Evict

Wednesday 6/7

1. The Lazy Loners
2. Just Khakis
3. The Plastic Cherries
4. Swerved by Blondes

Thursday 6/8

1. Derm
2. Collette Astle
3. Local Kin
4. Caysen Wright

Friday 6/9

1. Orcamind
2. Casio Ghost
3. Chi Chi Le Mot
4. New American Gothic

Saturday 6/10
Finalists TBD

Monday night should be fascinating, as it features two of the finalists from The Boardwalk’s Battle of the Bands: Aurhe and Parade the Bug. It’ll be fun to see these great performers on the same stage yet again but in a completely different context. The Boardwalk’s competition was incredibly close, with a 3 way tie for second place. New American Gothic ended up walking away with the win, and they’ll perform on Friday night.

There’s no shortage of talent on the bill this week: The Mellons and their vintage sound; Jumpmonk’s smooth soul stylings; Collette Astle’s deep emotional connection to her music; and Chi Chi Le Mot’s furious guitar solos and passionate vocals, plus so much more. We honestly have no idea who’s going to win this week, and have no idea what to expect other than h*ckin great music.

Velour’s Battle of the Bands is happening June 5th through June 10th next week. Doors open every night at 7:30 PM, with shows starting around 8 PM. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only). Make sure to like Velour Live Music Gallery on Facebook or follow Velour on Instagram to find out who will be performing in the finals.

While you’re waiting for Battle of the Bands to start, check out “Sentimental” by Jumpmonk.