High School Rock Off Final Exam

When the annual High School Rock Off launched some 20 years ago at the Odeon, the promoters at the locally-based Belkin Productions (now Live Nation) saw it as a way to reach out to area high schools and provide students with the kind of outlet that they might not have. Two decades later, the event, which takes place again this year at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, continues to thrive. This year's incarnation of the event featured 41 acts. There were a total of 156 band members and seven solo artists from four states. In all, the performers represented 62 schools. Tonight, 12 finalists battle for top honors at the event's "final exam." (Niesel)