The Anne Arundel County Battle of the Bands never fails to surprise and inspire, said founder and organizer Nancy Almgren.

Now in its 14th year, the annual show at Maryland Hall may not have attracted as big an audience this year with about 750 tickets sold, but Almgren still counts it as a success.

She said in the past it had sold out before the night of the show and that she had sold 1,200 tickets to the show throughout the evening. The show also has been $12 a ticket for many years, Almgren said.

Proceeds from the show goes to the music departments of the bands that place in the top four spots, she said.

"People have no idea that these kids are this good," Almgren said. "I think it really has helped that The Whiskey is doing all-ages shows on Sundays. These kids are getting some great experience of what it's like to do a show."