The Agnostics, made up of Matt Mitchell, a Bowmanville High School student, Cobourg residents Chris Lyons and Randy Lee, and Port Hope's Julian Gregg, along with SKrAtch3 from Port Hope are among the final nine bands competing in the finals taking place in Oshawa.

SKrAtch3, made up of Todd Mason, Luke Kinmond, Ben Payton, Dic Dickerson and Aaron Wood, met in music class at Port Hope High School and started the band four years ago.

Both bands say they are very pumped for the upcoming finals, and both have been doing extra practising since the competition started. Mr. Wood says the band has been researching past Bandwarz and winning bands since making it to the finals.

"Our big goal is to go up there and be 100 per cent satisfied with our performance," says Mr. Wood.

The Agnostics and SkrAtch3 had no expectations going into the competition. They both hope to gain exposure and say Bandwarz is an excellent opportunity to be seen by industry professionals.

In the first round of competitions Mr. Wood says a judge singled out band member Mr. Kinmond saying he has the look, voice and attitude to become a rock star.

Over the past eight weeks, 49 bands have competed for a chance at making it to the finals. Each week one band was chosen to advance, with one week, two bands being chosen.

The winning band will receive $1,000, a prize package from Alcatraz Skates, recording time at Mad Hermit Studios to complete a three-song demo package produced by Wellcraft Music, be part of a showcase at North By Northeast Music Festival and Conference and appear on Rogers Television.

Bandwarz has been drawing on and promoting musical talent for the past 11 years and has helped launch the careers of bands like Sum 41 and Not By Choice.

The final showcase will be held at Le Skratch Billiard Bar and Grill, 200 John St. W. in Oshawa. Tickets cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the first band will perform at 4:30 p.m.

The other seven bands competing on Saturday are Green Division, Hidden Echo, One Second 2 Late, Recall, R.P.O., Tennfold and Torsion.