BETHEL - The public is invited to enjoy music by local bands and solo artists, when the performers take the stage and compete for prizes while helping benefit a local arts and youth leadership program.newarts.org.two summer musicals this year.School of Rock. A week later (August 11-14), the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz will be staged.local arts program's website.

The 2016 NewArts Battle of the Bands is scheduled for Saturday, July 30, at 7 pm, in the theater at Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Road in Bethel.

A maximum of 15 bands will compete. Each act will perform allowed one song, and to ease transitions between acts, a drum set, sounds system, amps, and mics will all be provided.

Bands will be judged on overall quality, audience engagement, material, and presentation. The competition will include special guest judges, a celebrity emcee, and a surprise performance, according to organizers at NewArts.

Admission is $12, and tickets can be ordered online at

All proceeds will benefit NewArts, a nonprofit that focuses on helping kids in the Newtown community build character skills through challenging experiences in performing arts.

NewArts is presenting

August 5-7, audiences will witness one of the first presentations of a brand-new youth version of

NewArts is also seeking other underwriting donations, as well as help from volunteers for a variety of duties from set design to stage crew, and backstage and front of house support. For details and further contact information, visit the

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