Tickets are available now for a Battle of the Bands contest held in conjunction with the Roman Roast on the River barbecue contest in May, sponsored by the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority.

The Battle of the Bands will take place at 9 p.m. Friday, April 23 at 333 on Broad. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Each band will play half hour sets, and participants will vote to determine which band will be the headline band at Roman Roast on the River.

Event entry is limited and only 250 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $10, and the first 150 tickets went on sale Monday. The final 100 tickets will be released for sale on April 16 when the final four bands are announced. Purchase tickets to the Battle of the Bands at the RFPRA Main Registration Office, 300 W. Third Street.

Contest sponsors are 95.7 The Ridge and the Rome-News Tribune. Each day, The Ridge plays a song from three of the 16 band finalist during the morning show. The public is directed to visit the Rome News-Tribune Web site to listen to the bands and vote for favorites. The four bands receiving the most votes online by Friday, April 16 will be invited to play live for the final battle at 333 on Broad. All proceeds benefit the Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame.

The Roman Roast on the River will be May 7-8. Competitions include both professional and back-yard categories. The festival will also feature arts and crafts, children activities, car show, antique tractor show, public dessert recipe contest, outdoor movie, barbecue tasting and food vendors.