By JEN RETTER ’16

On Feb. 22, three bands—Codec, Family Vacation, and Friday Night Thieves—and two solo performers—Craig Carrico ’14 and Alisa Thammavong ’15—took the stage in the Great Room for The Student Programming Board’s annual Battle of the Bands.

The talented musicians played both original songs and popular song covers as they competed to win over the audience, who ultimately decided which band would win the $500 cash prize and the opportunity to play at Arcadia’s Woodstock on April 12.

Just as it had in previous years, Battle of the Bands brought musicians and audience members from outside of the Arcadia community to campus. The Arcadia competitors included Thammavong, Carrico, and Codec’s lead guitarist Emily Delp ’16 and bassist Maddie Clifford ’16.

Friday Night Thieves, a Philadelphia-based cover band, earned the most votes at the end of the night. Their lineup includes vocalist Matt Strollo, lead guitarist Jesse Pomper, rhythm guitarist Phil Araujo, bassist Hans Hibbard, and drummer Wayne Magee.

After hearing the band’s alternative and punk rock covers ranging from Jimmy Eat World to Yellowcard, the audience even encouraged Friday Night Thieves to play the only encore of the night.

“We’re definitely surprised and honored to win, and we’re really excited to come back and play,” said Hibbard.

“We definitely had some tough competition,” added Pomper.

SPB also announced that Friday Night Thieves will be opening for We The Kings, who will headline this year’s Woodstock. Kingsfoil, an indie rock band that includes actor Frankie Muniz on drums, will also play at Woodstock.

Photos by Jordan Richards ’15