Dear Diary,

Last Saturday was the first night of four in the semi-finals for the… Dear Diary,

Last Saturday was the first night of four in the semi-finals for the 17th annual Graffiti Rock Challenge at Rosebud in the Strip District. The yearly contest is a showing of local acts that were selected from 168 entries, chosen by a select group of music savvy people who picked through the immense pile of audition tapes.

The show was judged by local journalists from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune review and The Pitt News, to name a few. The bands were judged on stage presence, originality, audience reaction, judges’ reaction, instrumental ability, song writing ability and industry potential. The first night of competition provided for a great evening in music with Fit the Mold, Ill Noise Inc., Leon and Luca Brazi all taking the stage.

Fit the Mold came on stage first, shortly after 9 p.m. With enthusiasm and energy from every member of the band, Fit the Mold started the night rocking. The lead singer reminded me a lot of Andrew W.K. with his leg kicks, head banging and dancing across the stage. Surprise, surprise – on the band’s Web site they list Andrew W.K. as an artist people should check out. With songs about being a rock star and about commercial rock and how “it sucks and they aren’t gonna take it,” Fit the Mold tore up the stage.

Next up was a return act from last year’s Challenge: Ill Noise Inc. Taking the stage with a heavy rap-rock sound and look, they slowly revved up the crowd enough to form a small mosh pit in front of the stage. Filled with energy from start to finish, Ill Noise Inc. left the stage to a nice response from the crowd.

Following the rap-rock onslaught came a mellower and more laid-back quartet, Leon. From the moment they took the stage they played almost continuously through their set, barely interacting with the crowd. The songs were well-written, with decent hooks, but was a bit of a downer after the previous two bands.

Finishing the night was a rock band by the name of Luca Brazi – yes, a reference to “The Godfather.” Before the band could even take the stage, the audience began chanting their name. Finally the band took the stage with great stage presence and a great look that just screamed rock star. With songs about beer, girls and the effect the items have on their life, Luca Brazi finished the night on a good note. The lead singer had great stage presence and was sure to thank the crowd, sponsors and other bands a lot, and reminded everyone to drive home safely.

The next day WDVE and WXDX announced the winner, and rightfully so it was Luca Brazi, who would not be swimming with the fishes on this night; instead, they will make their way to the final round.

Tomorrow night will feature Science Fiction Idols, The Cool Grand, Skats Glass Eye and Left on Dorris. Be sure to read next week’s Graffiti Rock Diary to see who will join Luca Brazi in the finals.

The Graffiti Rock Challenge takes place at Rosebud in the Strip; it starts at 8 p.m. Saturday night. Call (412) 261-2221 for more information.