For 10 years now Wisconsin high schoolers have had an outlet to get some pretty sweet attention, studio time and gear from the statewide Launchpad Battle Of The Bands. The competition pits high school bands of all varieties (rock, metal, ska, hip-hop) in regional and then state competitions. And the payoffs are sweet: A gig at Summerfest in Milwaukee, studio time, and a pretty massive grant for your school’s music program. Even if you’re not the winner, bands get feedback from industry professionals to help hone their skills before they pass on to the next level. This year’s Eau Claire regional competition will be held at Chippewa Falls High School on April 4 from 4-10pm. Three winners will progress to the state competition and get to play a side stage at Summerfest. That’s a pretty sweet gig. Look up more info about Launchpad at LaunchpadWisconsin.org.