Bandjam Winner to Perform at Teen Center

(Submitted by Tom Bittman)

Newtown-based Smokebomb Mondays beat out eight top bands from around the state to win first place in the Connecticut Association of Schools’ Bandjam contest, held Friday, May 20 at Darien High School.

Smokebomb plays ska music that combines reggae, jazz, blues and punk. They do both cover and original songs. The band has seven members, Liam Reynolds, Jonah McKeown, Harrison Buzzi, Pat Milano, Danny Bittman, Tim Eames, and Matt Spencer.

All are sophomores and many have been playing together in the jazz band since 5th grade. The grand prizes for winning included gift cards from Sam Ash Music Stores, and an appearance at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas on the New Haven Green Elm Street Stage on Saturday June 25, 2011, where they will perform a 30 minute set in the afternoon.

In addition, special outstanding musicianship awards were given to a handful of the musicians, including Smokebomb’s drummer, Matt Spencer.

Smokebomb will be performing at the teen center this Friday night, May 27.