Gotham's 10th annual Battle of the Bands was held last Sunday at Gotham member and lead sponsor (in memory of his brother Michael Skody) William Skody's Club Groove, located in the heart of Greenwich Village on Mulberry Street in New York City.

Starting at 3:00, 5 bands competed energetically and
Judges Mike Steger, Larry Bassen and Lawrence Ballereau chose "Visual Cliff" as the winner, while "Mercury Maid" finished second and "Leo Sawikin" third.  

First Place prize was $2000 (plus a Showcase at iconic Cafe Wha?), second $1000 and third
$500.

Overall props to Entertainment Chair Norman Spizz for his record breaking production, Odey Raviv and Robert Intelisano who manned the challenging and hectic door, along with Shelley Simpson,and to Brett Deutsch who recorded the Battle for the sake of history.

Other Gotham connections were Israel Bien, Frontman and lead singer for "Mercury Maid", who is the brother of long time member Ed Bienstock who was in the audience and Max Yassky (pictured), drummer for "Leo Sawikin", the son of former member Ellin Yassky who now resides in Israel.  In addition, new Gotham Dinner Group member Andrew Berger was on stage as guitarist for one of the other competing bands.

The only non superlative is that, in addition to those forementioned, there were few other Gothamites present (Bruce Swicker, Matt Plociak and Willaim Skody who generously hosted).  I feel bad for those who missed it, for myself and Gotham.