Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

The Pumpkin Hollow Boys entertained the crowd enough
to take first place honors
at the Battle of the Bands, sponsored by the Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center and the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Bands and artists from across the area came out to help raise awareness on fetal alcohol syndrome at the Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center Battle of the Bands.

"I felt that the night was a great success," said Chris Samples, National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) administrator for the Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center. "We brought forth six great bands and several artists who helped to convey our message on the dangers of drinking while pregnant."

Brian Jackson, outreach coordinator for the Cherokee Nation and the "I Believe," program was the master of ceremonies for the event, which drew in quite a crowd for this one night event.

Bands performing were SunCast, Astor, Pumpkin Hollow Boys, Shigalosis, Unseen and Soberality.

"This was a great cause to be playing for," said Doo Reese, lead guitarist for the Pumpkin Hollow Boys. "And even though we felt like it wasn’t our best performance, we still managed to win first place which was great!"

Each band was allowed to play for 25 minutes with judges basing their decision on song content and overall performance.

The top three bands placing in the Battle of the Bands are first place, The Pumpkin Hollow Boys; second place, Shigalosis; third place, Unseen.

"Community members were also asked to submit artwork to be used in an upcoming media campaign for NOFAS and the judging was held prior to the kickoff of the Battle of the Bands," Samples said.

Winners in the art contest third through fifth grade division are first place, Christy Tiger; second place, John Blackman; third place, Lisa Tiger-Blair. Winners of the sixth through ninth grade division are first place, Tara Rabon; second place, Lindsey Rice; third place, Christy Brown. Winners of the tenth through twelfth place division are first place, Desmond Desby, second place, Patience Street; third place, Elisa Bezzell. Winners of the adult category are first place, Lena Deere; second place, Taleah Stand; third place, Dallas Thompson.

For more information on fetal alcohol syndrome or the Jack Brown Center contact Chris Samples, phone: 918-458-0496 (ext.223).

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org