Marmalade Sky & Infinity Project Win Ridgefield BandJam 2013

                  It’s a wrap.  Marmalade Sky got to take home the title of BandJam 2013 Middle School Winner in Sunday’s “American Idol” type showdown at The Ridgefield Playhouse for a second year.  Infinity Project of West Haven won this year’s BandJam in the high school category.  Eight finalist bands performed before a panel of celebrity judges in a sold-out house on April 28. Each winning band will receive a $500 gift certificate and Rock Show Membership from the Guitar Center, a Song Writing Workshop at Enchanted Garden, a professional band video biography and 1-year supply of Candy from UNREAL CANDY, with a total approximate prize valued at $3,500 for each of the two winning bands. Grand Prize winning bands will also have their name inscribed on the Ridgefield BandJam plaque displayed in the lobby of the Playhouse and have bragging rights to the title of 2013 BandJam Winner! Pictured L to R in Marmalade Sky are Benjamin Sulzinsky of Ridgefield (keyboard/piano), Joshua Gardos of Ridgefield (bass), Jason Bangser of Ridgefield (lead & rhythm guitar), Max Bloomquist of Newtown (drums), Mia Marie Gaetano of Bethel (lead vocals); for Infinity Project of West Haven, Jeremy Royka (guitar/vocals), Rob Granoth (drums/vocals) and Mike Gendreau (bass guitar).

                  “The bands who entered this year’s competition and made it to the finals truly impressed the judges with their talent and work ethic.  And because this event started with kids who share a love of music and wanted to gave something back to The Ridgefield Playhouse, it was especially gratifying for everyone involved to see BandJam grow into an annual event where kids have a legitimate way to express themselves and play in front of industry pros”, said Jeff Butchen who has managed BandJam for the past four years and serves on The Ridgefield Playhouse Board of Directors. This year’s BandJam raised approximately $17,500 to support the not-for-profit Playhouse. For upcoming events at The Ridgefield Playhouse, go to ridgefieldplayhouse.org or call the box office at 203-438-5795.   The Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.