Tomorrow, a batttle of the bands will rock the Firehouse in Redmond. Eight local indie rock groups will vie for a mynad of prizes in the second annual Classic Rock-n-Thon.

Each of the bands have been diligently preparing their sets since being accepted into the Rock-a-Thon several weeks ago, preparing for their chance in the spotlight. Last year, reporters came from all over Seattle and the Eastside, along with DJs from Seattle’s classic rock station, KZOK.

Shotty, a UW-based band took first in last year’s contest, and brought home a reproduction of a classic 1960s Ventures-style guitar and some much needed recording time.

This year, UW bands also include Shotty and The Rain Dawgs, The Late Night and up-and-comers Alligator Pears.

“We are looking forward to the Classic Rock-a-Thon quite a bit this year,” said Jesse Willard of The Rain Dawgs. “Last year it was a pretty good time, and it helped our band out a lot. We met several bands there which led to us getting more shows.”

The Rain Dawgs took third in last year’s competition. “Even though this competition isn’t totally serious, we’ve been practicing twice as often as last year,” Willard said. “We really want to win this year because we badly need some new equipment and we are going to be too old to compete next year. We’ll miss playing with bands that are still in braces and told that they need to be home before 10 o’clock.

On Friday, April 18, the second round of semifinals will take place, and the competing bands include Adrenaly, The First Line, Manic Highway and all-girl trio Missing Richard.

[Reach reporter Guy Keltner at arts@thedaily.washington.edu.]