Theirs is times I go to the Vans Warped Tour and hang out at the Ernie Ball side stage to check out the Battle of the Bands, and I begin wondering “Whatever happens to these bands? Do they play and go home? Do they win anything? As is turns out, that’s what the 11th Annual Ernie Ball Hollywood Showcase Party is for. The four finalists (Victim Effect, Nothing More, Dr. Manhattan, and Know Lyfe) played in Hollywood and each received $10,000 to spend on new equipment at Guitar Center.
The Hollywood Showcase party took place on November 29, 2007 at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip. The four finalists got a chance to perform and display to the crowd what separated them from the 14,000 other bands in the U.S. that signed up for the Ernie Ball 11th Annual Battle of the Bands. They all had some great music, and it was good to see that there are some good up and coming bands out there to pass the torch too. Not only did the bands get a hefty check and a chance to play in Hollywood, but they got to share the stage with none other than MxPx.
Straight from Bremerton, Washington, MxPx has been rockin’ the punk scene for the last 15 years, and did nothing less at the Key Club. Anytime MxPx hits the stage, 
be prepared for a good time. The first twenty minutes was filled with microphone problems galore, but the crowd stepped in on lead vocals when the problems occurred. They played an hour-long set while trying to fulfill as many song requests as they could. They played as many of their hit songs including “Middlename”, “Chick Magnet” and “Punk Rawk Show.” There was even a special appearance by Mest frontman, Tony Lovato, who stepped in on back-up vocals. The guys were running and jumping around the stage like they were 16 years old again. The floor was packed and you better believe that the circle pit was going. MxPx has always strived to be one with the crowd, and they did nothing but that during their set. They even brought up one of the fans to play bass on the song “Chick Magnet.” They always make sure that everyone has a great time.
MxPx is a three-piece punk band with Mike Herrera on bass and lead vocals, Tom Wisniewski on guitar and Yuri Ruley on drums. They maybe just a three-piece punk band, but they have a big sound that will leave an ever-lasting impression on you. One thing that I have always enjoyed about MxPx is that they act like normal people on and off the stage. A few years back I ran into them at the Vans Warped Tour and was able to chat with them like they were classmates. For more information, music, videos, news and tour dates, check out the band at www.mxpx.com.
