On Thursday night, students and community members eagerly crowded into the Rathskeller for live music and the opportunity to pick the 2026 FlashFest opener.

Organized and hosted by Kent State Undergraduate Student Government, Battle of the Bands featured five local and student bands engaged in a stiff but friendly contest with a chance to open for the Driver Era on the line. 

Each band’s performance was followed by remarks from a panel of judges, and when the show came to a close, students voted for the artist they liked the best.

Once the results were in, Lochwood, a newly formed five-piece band based in Kent, was announced as the winner.

The show got off to a strong start with Jason DiMarco, a sophomore entrepreneurship major and Northeast Ohio country singer in the process of recording his first album, who was accompanied by Austin Burks, a junior professional pilot major, on guitar as well as a bass player and a drummer. They first played an original ballad with heartfelt lyrics delivered by passionate vocals. The band then switched gears to a rowdy cover that immediately raised the energy in the room as DiMarco made sure to give each of his bandmates their moment to shine. It was a dynamic performance that set the bar high for the other participants.

As the bright country twang faded away, it was soon replaced by the melodic vocals, funky guitar licks, groovy basslines and rhythmic drumbeat of Sine Caterva, a three-piece indie band based in Kent. Their distinctive sound felt very organic and was extremely danceable. In fact, from the moment the band started playing until the last note, it was nearly impossible for anyone in the Rathskeller to sit still. Equally impressive was the amount of technical skill displayed by the band, especially the drummer’s ability to keep pace with the driving tempo of their music.

The third performer of the night was Tyler Wilson, better known as TJDUB. Wilson is a pop singer and rapper originally from Youngstown, Ohio, who has been making music since he was 14. While formally a solo act, Wilson was accompanied by a full backing band for his performance. Two guitarists, a bassist and a drummer enhanced Wilson’s sound with the level of instrumental depth needed to bring his catchy hooks and confessional verses to life. Arguably the most Driver Era-related artist of the bunch, TJDUB brought a fun, party-like atmosphere to the room while delivering a sense of self-awareness and relatability through lyrics about past relationships and personal growth.

In what was quite possibly the most dramatic vibe shift of the night, the Rathskeller’s buzzy mood softened as everyone drew their attention to the bluesy sound and vintage style of Old Country Business, a traditional four-piece band from Cleveland. The band’s performance felt a lot less structured than the others, with an almost improvisational quality. They began at a measured, laid-back pace, slowly building anticipation before eventually rewarding listeners by breaking into the main chorus with soulful vocals. The chorus then flowed smoothly into a progressive jam session with the band’s instrumental talent on full display. The guitarist, especially, flexed his technical skills through a series of individual solos that had the room in awe.

Lochwood, the final band to perform and also the one that would go on to win the competition, packed four songs, three of which were covers, into their set. Remarkably, while members of Lochwood have been in other bands, Battle of the Bands was their first time performing together live. Impressively, they had natural chemistry and played like professionals. The band kicked things off with a youthful, energetic cover of the early Beatles hit “I Saw Her Standing There” before boldly going where few cover bands have gone with Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and managing to pull it off relatively well in the process. 

Despite playing mostly covers, the band’s sole original song was a gorgeously written tune with an impassioned chorus. Lochwood then finished their performance with another Beatles cover, this time the classic, angst-ridden love song “Don’t Let Me Down,” which proved to be one of the most emotionally charged moments of the night and left everyone in their feels. It was a strong closing to what was a memorable night, highlighting the diverse musical talent in the area.

It is safe to say that USG generated a hit for students with the event. It was an incredible opportunity for all the bands to expand their recognition within the Kent State community. 

For Lochwood in particular, an even greater opportunity awaits as they will have the privilege of opening for The Driver Era at FlashFest.

FlashFest will take place on Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom with The Driver Era headlining and Lochwood as the official opener. 

Jack Bachna is a writer. Contact him at [email protected]