Jackson JACKSON - There will be heart-pounding drums, gripping guitars and maybe even a metallic meltdown for those who attend the first Battle of the Bands.

Sponsored by the Jackson Educational Foundation, the Battle of the Bands will be held on Feb. 10 from 7-11 p.m. at the Jackson Memorial High School Fine Arts Center, Don Connor Boulevard. Eight bands are scheduled to perform. Prizes will be awarded to the top three bands. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Bands scheduled to appear are Boy Judas, The Charming, Out of the Box, Overdrive, The Executives, The Monty Pythons, Learning Takes a Lifetime and Endless Escape.

Comedian Mike Sgroi will entertain the audience in between band set-ups.

"These kids have so much talent and enthusiasm so we need to get everybody out to support them," said Rosanne Tar-nofsky, fundraising chairwoman for the event. "I just know we're going to have a great night. There will be great bands, food, prizes and more."

Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at the following locations: Jackson Memorial High School Fine Arts Center ticket booth, between 7-7:15 a.m. or after dismissal and Friday in the Fine Arts Office, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Jackson Liberty High School main office, 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.; George Realty, 2200 W. County Line Road; and the Jam Room recording studio, 1805 Route 9, Howell. Tickets purchased at the door will be $12.

Proceeds will benefit the Jackson Educational Foun-dation, a nonprofit organization which works with the Jackson Board of Education and provides enrichment for Jackson's school children.

JEF fundraising chairman Mike Kafton said, "I would be remiss if I did not extend my gratitude to Rosanne Tarnofsky, who has done a masterful job for this event. We hope the community comes out to this exciting event and we hope to arrange for other fundraising events to keep the momentum going."