Montana band and 'crues' music impresses judges

WORLAND - Six bands competed Friday night in the second annual Battle of the Bands in Worland with the Daniel Kosel Band out of Roberts, Montana, taking home the grand prize, which included $1,000.

Worland's own Rattlesnake Ridge earned second place and $500 and the April June Trio from Story won third place and $250.

Daniel Kosel, who founded the Daniel Kosel Band, said "Getting to win it was pretty sweet. It was fun getting the check and all that but it was even more fun in validating the work that my guys have put in to be as good as they are. I'm very proud of what we can do with our music. Most of what we played was original stuff," he said, noting the exceptions of "Superstition" and "Cold Shot."

"It was all mine. I write the music and arrange it. It's stuff that comes from the heart. It's not fake," he added.

Kosel said they play country, rock and blues but with their own twist that he calls crues music. "I'm a pioneer in my own genre," Kosel said.

The Worland Battle of the Bands was the first competition for the group, he said, adding that the four-member band has only been together since March. They are Kosel, Travis Burdick, Wells Reitz and Robert James.

"I loved the whole thing because getting to see different types of musicians from different areas, it was really beautiful. It's not so much about the competition as it is about sharing our music. Some people play cover, some did original stuff. Music is the universal language."

The other bands competing were Undesided, Day By Day and Drones Over Yellowstone.

This year's event was sponsored by Rumors and Worland Community Center Complex. WCCC marketing and events coordinator Sheryl Ley said, "It was awesome. Attendance was high. Everyone had a great time. The bands absolutely loved the set up and location. The bands really enjoyed visiting with each other."

This year's event was moved from a Saturday day event to Friday evening.

Ley said due to other events and the eclipse she offered the community center for the bands to stay and three bands took the option.

She said they are looking forward to next year's event and looking at some dates in the summer, likely in August again.