Hey guys, do you know what happens when you win the local Total Rock competition at Harrah’s North Kansas City? No, of course you don’t, because you’re not Vindictive Syndicate, the NKC winning band that’s headed to the Central Regionals at Horseshoe Hammond TONIGHT at 9 PM. Don’t cry, though, because you can still head to Horseshoe Hammond to see the best Rock Banders in the Midwest rock it with host and MTV correspondent Sway Calloway. It’ll be good times, with music from DJ Rock City and a chance to win a “Groupie Experience” to see the Total Rock finals. You should totally go and try to win so you can come hang with your Blogmaster in Atlantic City. Oh, Atlantic City! A place of bright lights, salt-sea air, and the thrumming sense of rock!

But before your Blogmaster gets ahead of herself, let’s talk Horseshoe Hammond! Tonight’s the big night. Vindictive Syndicate will be there, ready to fight for the chance to represent the Central region in the finals. The band includes vocalist Pete Cotton (real-life systems analyst), guitarist Bryce Rakop (real-life computer engineer), bassist Kurt Kaiser (real-life engineer-engineer), and drummer Robert Buehrig (real-life systems architect). This just goes to show that some of the best Rock Banders are totally awesome tech folks like your Blogmaster. Just a theory.

The band was formed as most things in life are: college friendships mixed with work connections and an ex somehow brought together four dudes who all loved playing Rock Band. VS (as they are affectionately called in shorthand) won in North Kansas City by playing (wait for it) the Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” with a little over 2.2 million points. Man, that song is getting some serious mileage from our winning bands.

It helps that two of the Vindictive Syndicate are real-life musicians outside of Rock Band. Robert plays the drums and Pete is an plays the guitar, cello, piano, and bass. Way to be talented, guys! The Blogmaster is kind of jealous. Good luck to VS and all the bands that are going head-to-head at the Horseshoe!

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