Two Faced Johnny and the Heartbreakers placed first in the Battle of the Bands competition, held Aug. 8 during the Umatilla Count Fair in Hermiston. The Hermiston-based rock band received $750 and a $1,500 recording studio contract from Black Rhino Records.

Second place was The Slooches of Walla Walla, who received $500 cash, and coming in third and receiving $250 was 6MH of Hermiston. Both bands also play rock.

The Battle of the Bands competition, which was in its second year, featured seven groups who battled it out on the Wildhorse Main Stage during the fair. Judges evaluated the bands based on vocal and instrumental performance, musical interpretation/originality and professionalism.

The fairs mission is to bring unknown, local talent to the forefront of the entertainment at the fair with the goal of providing more regional exposure and publicity.