Speakeasy

Jacobs has served as the organizer and MC of the Benchmark Battle of the Bands (BOB) for one to two shows each week for 29 consecutive weeks.

Q: Best and worst parts about running the Battle?

Best: It’s fun to meet all of the bands and hear the different music. The BOB regulars are fun to hang with every week. I like a job where I can drink.
Worst: CRYASSING!!! Sometimes I get a little too boozed up and make an ass of myself, but mainly the cryassing.

Q: Are there any bands in particular that have been bumped out along the way that you hoped would’ve made it further?

I am not good with predicting the winners each week. I’m usually wrong about 90 percent of the time. The second place vote sometimes becomes the deciding factor, so surprises happen often. I really liked Cynthia Layne. I thought she would win the whole thing. I also liked Shadyside Allstars, The Cleptoz, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Blackberry Jam.

Q: What are some of your favorite Benchmark/BOB conspiracy theories?

I like the references to Josh Baker’s Lexus. That makes me laugh. Trust me; I’m not getting rich doing the BOB. I also liked the one about Molly telling people to vote for a certain band at the front door. I hear sometimes that people think we fix the Battle. I’m not smart enough to do that.

Q: You were a contestant a few years ago, which side of the ropes do you prefer?

I like this side more because there is no pressure. I just have to make sure I say the right name when introducing a band.

Q: Any good Battle stories?

I remember when Jonee Quest made Dearnt sweep up all of the debris from their destructive set. There have been many BOB staffers that have ended up in the “Drunk Helmet,” which is an old wrestling helmet behind the bar with the words “CUT OFF” appropriately written on it. We have pictures. I remember a few times when bands have walked in with their own backstage laminates that said “band” or “VIP” or something to that extent. At last week’s Battle, I was intoxicated and was sprayed all over with Silly String when I was announcing the results. That place is ruthless.

Q: Any outcome predictions for the final show?

I think maybe third time is the charm for 7DFC. Lunar Event is also a possibility. They placed last in the very first night of the BOB in 2001 and now are in the finals, but as I said before, I’m bad at picking the winners. Seriously, all eight bands in the finals deserve to be there. They played extraordinary sets during the first two rounds. It will be a great show.