Xconomy's Battle of the Tech Bands, Take Two

Last January, several of us CHENers, along with a couple of adventurous clients, checked out Xconomy's first Battle of the Tech Bands. That was the first time I'd set foot in the Middle East in more years than I care to count, and I had a good time. (I really need to get out more.)

Xconomy reports that close to 350 people gathered last year to hear six local groups, so they're going to stick with a winning formula. The event again will be hosted at the Middle East in Central Square, Cambridge, on January 22. This year, half of all ticket proceeds from the event will go to benefit local charities.

To be eligible, at least one member of the band must have a day job at a New England-area technology or life sciences company or a venture-capital or private-equity firm that invests in technology. Check this for the nitty gritty details. The deadline for entries is Friday December 12.

Prizes go to the Audience Favorite and Most Innovative bands.

Meanwhile, Xconomy recently announced that it has closed the first tranche of its second round. CommonAngels re-upped from round one and LaunchCapital, a small early-stage fund, also participated. Individual angels rounded out the round.

Xconomy is on a roll. In June, Xconomy Seattle launched, followed by Xconomy San Diego in October. According to Xconomy, these were "key steps in fulfilling our mission of providing hyperlocal coverage of the innovation communities in key technology and life sciences clusters."