3rd Annual "Battle of the Biotech Bands" raises over $50,000 for charity

Industry leaders across the life science and building industry were in full force at the third annual Battle of the Biotech Bands (BoBB), held May 20, at Royale Nightclub. The BoBB brings together musicians from area biotech companies to compete in a true rock battle, with all proceeds going to Charity. Joyce Kulhawik, Emmy Award-winning arts & entertainment critic (CBS Boston 1981-2008) and JoycesChoices.com returned as the evening's host, and assembled the celebrity team of judges: Charlie Farren (legendary rocker of The Joe Perry Project and Farrenheit), Candy O'Terry (most recently heard as co-host of Magic 106.7's morning drive), and Carter Alan (mid-day DJ on 100.7 WZLX). This year, Momenta Pharmaceuticals' Aural Gavage (the only band that has performed all three years since the BoBB's inception) rocked the house and took home the WIN. The other competing bands included PerkinElmer (Molecular Groove) and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (Zac Mac Band). Fiscally managed by the Art & Business Council of Greater Boston, all proceeds from corporate sponsorships benefit the charitable organization affiliated with each biotech band. This year, The Jolane Solomon Research Fund at Boston College, The American Cancer Society, and The Boys and Girls Club of Middlesex County will split the over $50,000 raised. "The event is a really cool hybrid--scientists by day/rockers by night in a musical rumble for the charities of their choice and everyone is a winner!" said Kulhawik. "As a three time cancer survivor, I appreciate how we all benefit from the work pioneered by these rock n' roll researchers!" The 2014 winner, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals' Bad Idea, opened the show and got the crowd going. "Each year we are more and more amazed at the turnout," said Carly Bassett, BoBB co-chair (along with Sylvia Beaulieu). "Not only by the talent of these musicians - but by the response of the crowd that fills the dance floor every year and the amazing financial support we receive from across the industry." For more information or to get involved in next year's event, please visit: www.battleofthebiotechbands.com