Dixie’s Got Talent selects Battle of the Bands winner

The Matt McDermott Band performs at Dixie's Got Talent 2013, St. George, Utah, Jan. 23, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – After an exciting array of performances Wednesday night, the Matt McDermott Band was selected as the Battle of the Bands winner of Dixie’s Got Talent 2013.

The Matt McDermott Band performs at Dixie’s Got Talent 2013, St. George, Utah, Jan. 23, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News

The band, which is composed of lead singer and guitarist Matthew Sean, drummer Eli Sabatis and bassist Gregg McDermott, performed their new song “Shadows in the Rain,” which they composed only a month and a half ago. Like many of their other works, the song touched the crowd with unique and memorable ability.

“Every song did exactly what they were supposed to (do) tonight,” McDermott said. “I felt the energy from the crowd.”

Though plagued with slight technical difficulties, they pulled out a solid performance, impressing the judges and taking the win over the other two Battle of the Bands finalists, Pangea and My Brother the Carpenter.

The Matt McDermott Band performs at Dixie’s Got Talent 2013, St. George, Utah, Jan. 23, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News

“Every one of (the) bands played awesome,” Sean said. “And backstage, everyone is so cool and so nice.”

Dixie’s Got Talent continues Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Cox Auditorium with the 15 finalists in the main competition. Performances will range from dancing to singing to a variety of instrumental numbers, with all contestants battling for a professional recording session, scholarships and the trophy.

The 1,200-seat auditorium was nearly full on Wednesday, and an equally large crowd is expected for the finals. Supporters in attendance will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite performers; their input along with the judges’ scores will determine the winner.

Event details and contact information

Date: Jan. 24

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Cox Auditorium, Dixie State College of Utah campus

Admission: General admission $12, DSC students $5, children under age 12 $5

Contact: DSC Box Office – 435-652-7800

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

The Matt McDermott Band performs at Dixie’s Got Talent 2013, St. George, Utah, Jan. 23, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News

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1 Comment

  • Sandie Divan January 24, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    Now, this is a much better option than American Idol and there is no Nicki M on the panel…

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