KU News Release

UPDATE: The band is a finalist and will compete in Los Angeles for the grand prize.

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students have until Nov. 25 to vote online for a Lawrence band in General Mills’ “U Rock! Battle for the Best,” an amateur band contest that will give three finalists a trip to Los Angeles.

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KU students Evan Epperson, John-Marc Skoch, Bradley Feagan and Austin Quick with the Louisiana Street Band are competing for one of the three finalist spots. Since the voting began Oct. 29, the KU band has ranked in first and fourth places in the voting competition. Rankings change as votes are cast.

Students may vote for the Louisiana Street Band on www.rockyourcampus.com and are allowed one vote per day.

The top three vote-getting bands will be flown to Los Angeles to perform before music industry judges. The grand prize includes a two-day recording session at Firehouse Recording Studios.

The band advanced to the online voting competition after winning a campus battle of the bands sponsored by the Department of Student Housing, KU Dining Services and General Mills on Sept. 25.

Formed in 2009, the six-member Louisiana Street Band includes three residents of Grace Pearson Scholarship Hall, located on Louisiana Street — hence the idea for the band’s name. The saxophonist, Scott Marks, and drummer, Nate Deel, are students at Baker University in Baldwin City.

The KU student members of the band are listed below by hometown, year in school, major, parent names, high school and band role.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Shawnee 66217
Austin Thomas Quick, senior in atmospheric science; Tom and Michon Quick; St. Thomas Aquinas High School; keyboards/ vocals.

LABETTE COUNTY
From Oswego 67356
Bradley Joe Feagan, sophomore in music education; Joe and Teri Feagan; Oswego High School; bass guitar/vocals.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita 67208
Evan William Epperson, senior in history; John and Sharon Epperson; Wichita High School East; lead guitar/vocals.

NEBRASKA
From Hastings 68901
John-Marc J. Skoch, junior in applied behavioral science; Michael and Virginia Skoch; St. Cecilia High School; lead vocals.