What do <a href="http://dfest.com/">Dfest founder Tom Green</a>, an instrument used in spine surgery and the <a href="http://www.tauw.org/tauw/Default.asp">Tulsa Area United Way</a> have in common?<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.tauw.org/images/tauw/R918.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>You guessed it. It's Rock the 918, a different kind of battle of the bands. Six local bands, three of which feature at least one healthcare professional and three at least one member of <a href="http://www.typros.org/index.asp">Tulsa’s Young Professionals</a>, will compete for People's Choice and Judges' Choice awards - not to mention a year's worth of bragging rights. </div><div><br /></div><div>Celebrity judges are Tom Green of Dfest, <a href="http://www.edgetulsa.com/morning/">Chuck Stikl of Z104.5 The Edge</a> and <a href="http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Archive?author=oid%3A14848">Gary Hizer of Urban Tulsa</a>. <a href="http://www.ktul.com/pageloader.html?js=ktul&amp;page=talent&amp;pagename=kristin_dickerson.html">Kristin Dickerson from KTUL</a> will emcee the event with <a href="http://www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/index.cfm">Dr. Richard Wansley from OSU Center for Health Sciences</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rock the 918 is a partnership of Tulsa Area United Way and Tulsa's Young Professionals, and proceeds benefit United Way's 2009 campaign and TYPros' 2009 community partner, <a href="http://www.bbbsok.org/">Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma</a> (a TAUW agency).</div><div><br />Who are the bands, you ask? I'll tell you right now:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li><b>A.M. 60 (rock ‘n’ roll)</b>: A.M. 60 was formed in 2007 as a cover band specializing in mid-sixties rock n roll music. The new line-up includes local musicians Rob "Doc" Platner, Jeff Jakober and Mike McEver.  </li><li><b>Black Water &amp; the Sons of the Gatekeeper (red dirt/bluegrass)</b></li><li><b>BleedCircuit (rock)</b>: Since 2009, BleedCircuit has been rocking out T-Town style. Their song "She Devil" was selected for the Z104.5 The Edge's Homegroan CD, too. Big time stuff. </li><li><b>Eric and the Adams (pop/rock)</b>: Don't miss this band's debut CD, which comes out in December. Lead Eric Hyman has opened for the likes of En Vogue, Deborah Gibson, Indie Arie, Duncan </li><li><b>Paul Benjaman Band (Indie)</b>: Paul Benjaman Band is comprised of four talented musicians. Guitarist/Vocalist Paul (an inductee of the Tulsa World Music Hall of Fame) represents the best elements of what Tulsa guitar is all about. Paul's great songs and masterful guitar playing are at the forefront of this band's sound. Supplying the beats on drums is Andrew Bones; a very gifted drummer whose technique and versatility have built him a special reputation in the region. Capable of doing just about anything, this guy knows how to keep any dance floor packed, sweaty, and gyrating. Playing the Fender Rhodes and singing harmonies is Khadija Goz. Khadija is a classically trained pianist and has been playing music since she was a small child. Her brilliance can be observed when she subtly syncs in with the bass and drums to create a deep funk and groove pocket or when she burns the house down with a mind-altering rhodes solo. Lastly , on electric bass, Bo Hallford provides some funk and soul. His slick bass lines offer a sturdy foundation to the other band members. He is a great bass player all-around. Bo is known for holding it down, way down.</li><li><b>Persuaders (classic rock)</b>: The Persuaders are an eclectic group of friends who have played together for the past three years. Darrell Wilson and Dr. Jim Rodgers named the band after an instrument called a persuader that's used in spine surgery. This year three of their members are doctors and they're ready to rock. Dr. Rodgers' nickname is "Doc Roc" after all!</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>The doors to Rock the 918 will open at <a href="http://cainsballroom.com/">Cain's Ballroom</a> at 6:30 pm. The concert begins at 7.<br /><br />Fans can vote for their favorite band at the event for $2 per vote. Tickets to Rock the 918 are available for $8 at Ida Red (3346 S. Peoria) and Dwelling Spaces (119 S. Detroit). Tickets at the door are $10.</div><div><br />Louis &amp; Cluck, Tulsa-based artists of I Heart Tulsa shirt fame, designed the Rock the 918 logo. They will be selling their Rock the 918 shirts at the event with 10% of proceeds benefiting TAUW. The t-shirts are also available at Dwelling Spaces. Also, they're awesome. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cool event, right? Go out tonight and get music by six bands for $10 at most <i>and</i> exact your will upon the people of Tulsa for the low, low price of $2. This is practically a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. </div></div>