After another long week of classes, tests and papers, Flyer Radio is providing the perfect musical entertainment this weekend by spicing up the KU Pub with a three-day musical competition.

Flyer Radio's annual Battle of the Bands is showcasing nine talented bands that are competing in front of a panel of judges to earn the title of the best local band.

After reviewing several demo tape submissions, Flyer Radio's music director, Keith Bange, selected the most talented nine bands to compete in preliminary rounds this Thursday and Saturday. The top winners will then compete in a championship round April 6 at 9 p.m. This year's Battle of the Bands' winner will receive 15 free hours of recording time at the StreetSounds recording studio located at ArtStreet.

Missy Apmann, chair of the Battle of the Bands, is responsible for coordinating this year's battle. Flyer Radio sponsors this event to promote the music scene at UD, Apmann said.

'A variety format of music makes up most of the station's programming,' said Apmann, promotions director of Flyer Radio. 'So Flyer Radio naturally has an interest in helping the types of bands that are its very makeup and content.'

Most of the bands this year are not completely comprised of UD students, which makes for an exciting variety. Each band plays for a 30 minute set, and are allowed one cover song.

This Thursday at 9 p.m., the first four bands to perform, in no particular order, are 'Greg Hansberry Presents: My Cohorts and I,' 'Full Blooded Hooligans,' 'Check Minus' and 'Between Failures.'

The lineup for Saturday at 8 p.m. includes 'Spicer Heights,' 'Logic of Reason,' 'The Werks,' 'Pieces of Eight' and 'Dolly Rebels,' last year's third place winners.

The order of the performances is randomly drawn that night. This is so that students supporting their friends do not enter and leave half way in between and blindly cast their vote, Bange said. Students are encouraged to arrive at the beginning of the battle and enjoy live performances by great bands.

A panel of four judges, made up from Flyer Radio's music department, Flyer News, UD's music department professors and StreetSounds, will rate the bands each night. The audience members also cast their votes for the number one and two spots. The audience collectively acts as a fifth judge and makes up one-fifth of the vote of the ultimate outcome.

'It's going to be a blast,' said freshman Jenna Gettings, who is helping sell tickets for the battle. 'I'm really exited to see what the outcome will be.'

Ticket sales are in KU cafeteria 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every weekday through April 6. Three day passes are $5 and one day passes are $3 per day.

Battle of the Bands is Thursday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and April 6 at 9 p.m. in KU Pub. Whether you are supporting your friends or looking for a great time, the Battle of the Bands promises to be an exciting competition.