The Road to South By 2011 battle of the bands contest ??" a joint effort between Seattle-based Brave New World Media Group and Joe Gingerella’s Black Ice Booking & Entertainment ??" took a break from its home at El Corazon in Seattle to stop by Tacoma’s Hell’s Kitchen last night. Rock duo All Eyes Closed, rapper Perry Porter and hip-hop group Black Stax battled it out before a sparse crowd ??" at least in the music room. A large, lively crowd of Tacoma Thursday Runners held a post-run celebration in the adjoining restaurant section, briefly appearing in the other half of the venue before, well, running out the door. Porter won the contest and will compete at El Corazon in Seattle. The highlight of the night was a special performance by Brave New World Founder Shyan Selah and his band The Republic of Sound.
