Tri-C High School Rock Off

When the annual High School Rock Off launched some 20 years ago at the Odeon, the promoters at the locally based Belkin Productions (now Live Nation) saw it as a way to reach out to area high schools and provide the kind of outlet that students might not have. Two decades later, the event, now held at the Rock Hall, continues to thrive. Thirty-six bands participated in this year's competition. A total of 147 band members, including six solo artists, represented 64 schools. Three performance rounds have led up to the Final Exam, which takes place tonight, when the 2019 Best Band in the Land title will be awarded by music and entertainment industry judges. Prizes include three scholarships to study in the Creative Arts program at Cuyahoga Community College. PNC Bank will help high school seniors launch their careers in music by providing the scholarships. Tonight's competition takes place at 6, and tickets are $10. (Niesel)