Briggs names Battle of the Bands winner

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corporation recently named Slamabama, a country music band from Dixon, Ill., the winner of the 2011 Battle of the Bands competition.
The band, one of more than 200 that participated in the world-wide competition, received the most online votes from fans. “Winning the Briggs & Stratton Battle of the Bands contest is really a dream come true for all of us,” said J Juliano, guitarist and one of the lead singers for SLAMABAMA.  “We knew it would be tough competing against top bands from all over, but thanks to our many fans who voted for us here in the Midwest and from around the world, we will be playing Summerfest and helping open for Phil Vassar.  That’s a great opportunity for any band and we are very thankful.”
The band will receive the star treatment and will perform on July 2 on the new Briggs & Stratton Backyard stage at Summerfest on Saturday, July 2.
Slamabama members include J Juliano, guitar/lead vocals; Rosanna Juliano, lead vocals/percussion; Dennis Gilpatrick, bass/backing vocals; and Derek Bernal, drums.  The bands music is comparable to country music acts Sugarland and Lady Antebellum. “Every year, bands from around the world continue to bring their very best to our contest and we are extremely proud of all of them,” said Todd Teske, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Briggs & Stratton. “We congratulate Slamabama and their many, many fans whose votes will now put the band front and center at the World’s Largest Music Festival on July 2.”