Last Thursday evening culminated in an exciting victory for The Ramblers, for Red House and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and for the Lafayette Art and Science Foundation (LASF).  It was the final showdown of the Classic Covers Cup 2010, a battle of the bands and charity event for LASF, in which 16 bands faced off for a shot at the trophy, bragging rights, and a $1,000 gig at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival.  The competition Thursday included Pladdohg, ML Crisis, The Ramblers, and Brik; the winners from each of the preliminary rounds, and took place in front of a completely packed house.

The Classic Covers Cup was first held in 2008.  But this year it had a twist…

“The idea was simple,” began Raja Singh, owner of Red House.  “The chamber took the money that they would have paid a band at the festival and offered it as prize money. Then we took the ticket money that Red House would have profited from and pledged it to LASF.”

All told, $1,250 was raised for LASF over the course of the five weeks.

“I’ve played a lot of gigs in front of a lot of people, and I know you have your good nights and your bad nights.  Let me just begin by saying that you all brought it tonight.”  Voiced Enchant bassist Ed Platt after the bands had all played their 35 minute sets.  Platt and Brian Aiello from the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce judged each of the bands on musicianship and showmanship, and offered their constructive comments before the results were announced.

All of the bands truly played their hearts out, and the score was as close as the evening was intense.  But in the end the Ramblers, a blues band, took the gold, and the spot at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival main stage on September 18th.

Congratulations Ramblers!  Hope to see you all there!