Rock the vote

Hanson narrows Jersey band search to three and hands over final decision to fans
Published in the Asbury Park Press 05/27/05
BY CHRIS JORDAN
GANNETT NEW JERSEY

Then there were three.

Either Hazlet's Gibbler, Rockaway's Copperpot or Hoboken-based singer/songwriter Joe Condiracci will be chosen to open the sold-out June 10 Hanson show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville.

The three independent Jersey acts were chosen by Hanson from 90 submitted entries, and now it's up to music fans worldwide to determine who will open the show.

Fans can go to www.hanson.net, listen to the bands' music there, and vote. The winner will be announced June 3.

"We think we'd fit in perfect," said Tom Farinaro of Gibbler. "We're a four-part harmony rocking type of band . . . we think an audience like this will accept us."

Gibbler has previously performed on the punk-rock themed 2002 and 2004 Warped Tours and also the Skate and Surf Festival in Asbury Park.

Hanson is the Tulsa, Okla., trio who became teen stars thanks to the mega-smash album "MMMBop" in 1997. The band launched the contest to promote independent music in New Jersey.

The Starland Ballroom is located on 570 Jernee Mill Road. Call (732) 238-5500 or visit www.starlandballroom.com for more information.