Soul funk outfit the Alpine Effect, grizzled rock shredders the Collective Me and veteran rock upstarts the Fletcherz secured their places in the grand final of the 2012 Ultimate Battle of the Musos by the end of the first heat on Friday night.
Those three acts, plus Seven Car Pile-Up, playing for the first time before an audience, and the Bad Endings entertained more than 60 spectators in the Youth Booth.
Each band confidently and professionally performed its choice of three original songs or cover versions to rapturous applause.
Solo singer-songwriter Ruby Bain took the stage before her acoustic peers in the second heat this Friday, as she will be out of town on the night.
Speaking on behalf of the panel, judge and entertainer Simon Green said there were only 50 points between the top three bands. It was going to be a closely fought contest to decide the Ultimate Muso act, which will receive the chance to professionally record its song in Studio 183, Frankton.
Other prizes available include a warm-up slot on the New Year's Eve main stage and vouchers for It Might Get Loud music store.
Entry to the acoustic heat on Friday is by donation and the final on September 28 is ticketed.
Tickets can be bought in the Youth Booth, Stanley St. Both events open doors at 7pm and begin at 7.30pm.
