Battle of the Bands Line-Up Announced for Tech Jam 2010

TAMPA – The TBTF Foundation, the charitable arm of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, announced today the four local bands that will battle it out at this year’s Tampa Bay Tech Jam presented by Verizon on August 26 at the Ritz Ybor.

• Brian Chris Band – an all original band from Tampa that has played at the St. Pete Times Forum and opened for Blue Oyster Cult. Their new cd, Everything You Need was released July 2010. Check them out here.
• Low Expectations – this band believes life is better with Low Expectations! Band members include representatives from PBS&J. They jam out on the weekends and only play a few select gigs a year including charity events.
• Pitbull Toddler – this band’s mission is to “melt the faces at each and every show we play!” Band members consist of Cox Media Group employees and personalities from the “Cowhead Show” on 102.5 The Bone, including host Mike “Cowhead” Calta. Check out their Facebook fan page here.
• The Party Sharks – a mixture of musicians from a telecommunications company and a financial powerhouse. This band has members from Telovations and Raymond James & Associates. They can be seen around Tampa Bay rockin’ it old school.

The crowd at Tech Jam will vote on the bands by making a one dollar donation per vote. All proceeds from the voting will go to the TBTF Foundation. The band with the most votes (donations) at the end of the event will be crowned the Battle of the Bands Champion and receive studio time from Mana Recording Studios.

“We are looking forward to our greatest Tech Jam to date,” said Bob Riddell, TBTF Foundation chair. “We know it has been a tough year, but we’ve worked hard to put together an amazing lineup of entertainment and the networking opportunities at Tech Jam are unmatched. We hope as much of the TBTF membership as possible can come out to this year’s event in support of the Foundation and its educational programs.”

Tech Jam will have a silent auction, giving attendees a chance to bid on such items as a week-long stay in the mountains of North Carolina or a beach house on Sand Key, a portrait session, Disney park passes, club level tickets to a Tampa Bay Rays game, among many others. The Foundation is still accepting silent auction items. Contact Kimberly Wander at kwander@tbtf.org if you have an item to donate.

This year’s Tech Jam also features a VIP backstage party from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Only a limited number of tickets are available. VIPs will enjoy one hour of open bar, priority check-out at the silent auction, private access to balcony overlooking the main event, casino table games, raffle prizes and the chance to meet the bands.

Tech Jam is the Foundation’s largest fundraising effort of the year. Funds raised through the silent auction, ticket sales and sponsorships will benefit the Foundations’ programs including scholarships for underserved youth pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as well as career training and computer labs at area Boys & Girls Clubs. Known as “a summer party with a purpose,” each year Tech Jam features live entertainment, cocktails, dancing, great food and excellent company to network with in a unique setting unlike a typical business event.

Visit www.tampabaytechjam.com to register and purchase VIP backstage tickets. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

See the video below to learn more about the TBTF Foundation and Tech Jam 2010.