Date posted: 3-27-01

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Eds: Note info box at end

NIU offers new alternative to "battle of the bands"

By Jeff Goluszka

DeKalb News Service

DEKALB -- NIU's Campus Activities Board will look to DJs for the music instead of traditional bands when its first-ever DJ contest is held March 30.

The contest begins at 8 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center's Diversions Lounge.

"We want to provide some good entertainment for students on Friday night," said CAB concert coordinator and NIU student Mike Brady. "It gives students another thing to do on the weekends."

The competition, similar to a "battle of the bands" event, has been welcomed by performers and onlookers.

"It's something new, something long overdue," said Michael Stokes, a sophomore communications major who will perform under the name DJ M80. "There's a lot of DJs that are looking forward to it."

The original group of applicants contained more than 20 DJs -- musical artists who re-mix existing songs into new, fast-paced electronic music.

"There's been an overwhelming response of people interested … we had more than enough applications to spin [to DJ]," Brady said.

The contest will feature eight DJs, who will perform for 20 to 30 minutes each, Brady said. The winner will be chosen by the crowd, by individual ballots.

"If you're going out for a good time, there will be dancing and lots of people there," Brady said. "Going to the bars costs a lot more money."

INFO BOX
What: DJ Contest
When: 8 p.m., Friday, March 30
Where: Holmes Student Center's Diversions Lounge
Admission: $4 for students, $5 general admission
Performers: DJ COM LB (Bill Cross), DJ CYNOT (Tony Castro), DJ High C (Colin Anderson), DJ M80 (Michael Stokes), DJ Mikus (Mike Mueller), DJ Nasty Nate (Nathan Reeser), DJ Psychoactive (Jason Middle), DJ Venom (Carlos Mercado)

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Source list:
* (Mike Brady, CAB concert coordinator, 753-1580)
* (Michael Stokes, DJ M80 and NIU student, 753-3140)