Each band will play a 15-20 minute set of 3-4 original songs in this third annual Battle of the Bands events. The show will be emceed by Ward 2 City Councilor Laura Tesler. Opening for the battle will be last year's winner, indie pop/rock band The Darren Johnson Effort.

Tickets for the Battle of the Bands are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Tickets are on sale now at all Library Circulation Desks. This is planned as a family-friendly show, but will be loud. Children under 10 can receive free tickets when issued with an adult ticket. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Bands selected represent a variety of genres and include:

Crossing 13th - pop/rock - Returning for a second year in the Battle, Crossing 13th thrilled last year's audience with its blend of blues, folk, rock, pop and funk. The group, which has even earned some radio play on 105.1 "The Buzz" in Portland is ready to blow the doors off again.

The Ceremony - rock/emo acoustic - The Salem-based trio has been together for a year and a half, most recently entertaining audiences at the Blue Pepper and Apex Pro Audio. They've also spent time recently in the recording studio.

The Gusto Brothers - rocking blues - John, Paul, Steve and Johnny blend blues, rock-n-roll, funk, soul and a bit of country with a healthy dose of gusto to create a new style of music they call soul brand music.

Mister Hyde - classic rock with a new age twist - With more than 30 original songs on its roster, Mister Hyde has entertained audiences at local clubs and Keizer's 20th anniversary celebration. They also a returning for a second appearance in the Battle.

The winner will be chosen by the decibel level of the audience reaction at the end of the night.

The winner will be featured in a showcase performance to conclude the 2007-08 Library concert series in April 2008.

More information is available at (503) 588-6052 or online at www.salemlibrary.org.