DURANGO, Colo. - Formula 151 did it again.

The popular Durango-based band placed first, for the second time, in the latest round of the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands held Dec. 5 at the Cervantes Masterpiece Theater in Denver.

With the win, the band, featuring Dave Mensch (singer/songwriter and guitarist), Katherine Jetter Tischhauser (electric cello), Mike Kornelson (bass) and Steve Dejka (durms/percussion, moves to the semi-regionals, scheduled for Sun., Jan. 20 at Jillian's in Las Vegas, Nevada - a step closer to winning a $1 million recording contract. Formula 151 had placed first during the first round of Denver auditions for the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands, held Oct. 27 at The Marquis Theater.     

“It still hasn’t sunk in,” said Mensch, who returned from the Denver competition only to immediately perform his regular Thursday night show at The Office Spiritorium. “This round took the field of about 500 down to around 125 for the regional semi-finals. They will select 10 bands for the final competition and reality television show. Our odds are definitely improving.”

Bodog Music is an international, independent record label featuring a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians. Focusing on unique marketing opportunities, Bodog Music is behind the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands – the search for the best unsigned bands in the country. Grand prize includes $1 million recording and marketing contract with Bodog Music, live shows in multiple major cities across the globe and a reality TV show.

For this latest competitive round in the battle (entitled “Impress the Judges), bands were allotted 30 minutes to perform. According to Mensch, Formula 151 took the opportunity to demonstrate the band’s stage presence and personality – beyond performing audience favorites and rock-oriented offerings “Bittersweet,” “Your Picture,” “What I’d Do To You” and “Tap Water.”

“We addressed the audience between songs,” said Mensch, lauding drummer Steve Dejka for his impromptu conversation and comedy that enthused the audience as Mensch changed and tuned guitars. “The quality of the competing bands was higher this round, for sure, but so many of them just got up and played their songs and left the stage. I think the judges are looking for bands with personality, and we tried to show them ours.”

Formula 151 was launched by Mensch in 2004, and is known for offering a sound unique among today’s contemporary bands. Heavily influenced by the long heritage of singer/songwriters, as well as the cutting-edge rock bands, Formula 151 takes its listeners on a melodic and lyrical journey while incorporating dynamic musical arrangements. The band has recorded two CDs, Down on the Beaten Road and Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Locally, Formula 151 was a winner in the first Spotlight to Stardom talent search and will serve as the “House Band” for the 2008 Spotlight on May 17. Formula 151 songs were also selected for inclusion on Rhythms of Durango, Vol. 1 and 2 compilation CDs featuring artists who perform in and around Historic Downtown Durango.

“Once again we need to thank our fans,” said Mensch. “They continue to vote on-line, and we had the largest following at this competition in Denver. We hope even more of our fans will plan on coming to Las Vegas in January. That’s Martin Luther King weekend, so hopefully it will allow for more people to join us. We’ll be chartering the luxury bus once again.”

Mensch expressed his appreciation for the Denver competition sponsors, Brightwood Builders, Never Now Records, Desert Sun Coffee, Brown’s Sport Shoe, Speedy Needle, McCormick Tile and Stone, Katzin Music, Southridge Construction, Appaloosa Trading Co. and Coca-Cola, all of which stepped up to support the band’s effort during this round in the Bodog competition.

During last year’s Bodog competition more than 7,000 bands registered and performed at 350 battle showcases throughout the U.S. The field was then narrowed down to 10 lucky semi-finalists that competed in the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands reality TV series. Over four weeks, the 10 bands traveled across the U.S., performing showcases for local fans and completing a series of hardcore challenges designed to test their abilities as a rock band. Eliminating one band each episode, the show featured live performances from the competing artists and criticisms as well as praises brought to them by the panel of expert judges.

For further information about Formula 151, and to sample the music, visit the band’s web site, www.myspace.com/f151. Explore the Bodog Music world at http://battle.bodoglife.net/home/.

On-line Bodog Battle of the Bands voting continues into the next level of competition, with fans allowed to vote once every 24 hours. To vote, log on to: http://battle.bodoglife.net/bandsandmusic/182754/Formula%20151/.

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