By Erin Spencer, Staff Writer
Winston-Salem’s “biggest party,” Rock the Block, is returning Saturday, Sept. 21, to offer a full day of local music and fun downtown.
Rock the Block will run from 11 in the morning to 7 at night. The program includes a Battle of the Bands competition, a Moonlight Madness 5K and Fun Run, and an after-party at Ziggy’s.
“I love Rock the Block,” Reynolds junior Henry Baldwin said. “There’s good music and good food.”
The Moonlight Madness 5K and Fun Run is Friday night, Sept. 20. The registration fee for the 5k is $35, which includes a long-sleeve, glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, and admission into the Runners Village after the race. Runners participating in the Fun Run only get the T-shirt, and the cost is $15. All proceeds go to United Way of Forsyth County.
Junior Andrew Ciaccia, a veteran of the Moonlight Madness race, said he enjoys the event: “The Moonlight Madness race is unique because it’s at night.”
The Teen Battle of the Bands competition “Rock This,” presented by Forsyth Tech, offers another source of entertainment. Nine bands will show off their skills for three songs, or 15 minutes, in hopes of winning the $500 reward. The bands will be judged based on stage presentation, band synchronization, time management, song quality, clarity, band enthusiasm, attitude and musicianship. Attendees can also text to vote for their favorite band, which will play a part in the final decision. After three rounds of rigorous play, a winner will be announced.
Several other local bands from all different genres are performing, including The Chris Lane Band, Big Bump and the Stun Gunz, The Stratocruisers, and The Lion Tracks. Shops and art galleries will also be open to be strolled through leisurely. Many downtown restaurants will have vending spots available.
When all the fun seems to be over and done with on the streets, Ziggy’s – the live music venue – is sponsoring a parade that will take the party from its Rock, Country and Bluegrass stage, down Trade Street, and to its building. There, an all-ages Battle of the Bands will take place.
Why not come out and enjoy the real fun that Winston has to offer? Maybe for at least one day, Forsyth County teenagers won’t be able to complain about how boring it is here.