Student vocalist makes it to Battle of the Bands final
“It promises to be an electrifying night, showcasing the best of Cambridge's student talent”
A singer from St John’s could win the chance to perform on the main stage at Cambridge Club Festival after making it through to the University’s Battle of the Bands competition final.
Alice Markham, a second-year English undergraduate and Choral Scholar in The Choir of St John’s College, is the lead singer in soul and funk band Soft Crunchy Landing, which is among four student bands gearing up for the musical showdown at Cambridge Junction on Friday 1 March at 7pm.
The grand finale of Cambridge University’s ‘Take it to the Bridge’ band competition will see the musicians battling it out for the opportunity to perform to thousands of people at this summer’s Cambridge Club Festival (7-9 June 2024) in a line-up of world-renowned artists including Chaka Khan, Sister Sledge, Melanie C of The Spice Girls, and Jessie Ware.
Alice, who also sings in The Gents of St John’s as an alto, said: “We’re all incredibly excited to have made it to the final, and are looking forward to performing to such a great crowd – it’s going to be a super fun night, regardless of what the verdict is.”
Soft Crunchy Landing will be going head-to-head with fellow student bands Temor, Quasar, and East Street on a Tit. Alice joined the 10-piece band, which features undergraduates and postgraduates from five different colleges and one non-student musician, just over a year ago.
The judging panel includes Sonita Alleyne OBE, Chair of the Centre for Music Performance and Master of Jesus College, Matt Fincham, Music Editor at BBC Radio 1, and Frazer Robinson, Head of Programming at Cambridge Club Festival.
The final is open to everyone and the judges’ decision will be informed by a live audience vote, with the winner announced at the end of the night.
Now in its second year, ‘Take it to the Bridge’ is the brainchild of the University’s Centre for Music Performance, which enables students, staff and local residents to make music in all its forms a part of life at Cambridge.
Simon Fairclough, Director of the centre, said: “We are delighted to bring this exciting competition back for a second year running. We believe music is a fundamental part of life and that everyone should be able to participate in music at Cambridge.
“‘Take It To The Bridge’ is just one of many inclusive activities we organise to offer opportunities for the whole community to enjoy live music. It promises to be an intense and electrifying night, showcasing the best of Cambridge's student talent.”
Tickets for the final at J1, Cambridge Junction are £12.50, students and under-18s £7.50. They can be bought online from Cambridge Junction Box Office.
Published 30/01/2024