Sparta band vies for spot at music festival

SPARTA — On Saturday fans will have an opportunity to help hometown band members from Something about January further their musical careers.

Something about January, a well-known Sparta-based rock band is currently vying for a spot at Bamboozle, a three-day music festival in May. In order to get the spot, they need to win the final round of the battle of the bands Break Contest, which will take place at the Stanhope House this Saturday, April 14. The contest will start at 12:30, with Something About January slated for 6 p.m. Attendees can vote for their favorite band at the show, and can also go online to yuuzoo.com and 'cool' the band's page.

Something About January consists of Mike Linardi, who is currently a senior at Sparta High School, and three graduates of SHS, Joe Parella (2011) Joe Cowell (2010) and Jon Rodney(2011) — all of whom are currently in college.

The band has a background in classic rock with a strong influence of modern bands — most specifically The Foo Fighters, one of the headliners at Bamboozle. Their first official release is currently available for download online.

Bamboozle will take place on the beach in Asbury Park, where there will be seven stages set up and music for three days. Other headliners include Blink 152, Jon Bon Jovi, Skrillex and Incubus.

Stanhope House is located on Main Street in Stanhope. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door as well as in advance from participating band members.