This evening the cold won't be the only thing creeping over the campus when the sun sets. Guitar feedback, cymbal crashes and applause are also expected as four bands each play half-hour sets for the UA's annual Battle of the Bands.

The Battle of the Bands, which in the past has seen such antics as a dancing gorilla groupie and band members lighting drum sets on fire, will begin at 5 p.m. on the UA Mall stage.

Two bands from tonight's competition and Wednesday's competition will move onto the finals on Nov. 15. The winners will be chosen based on audience votes.

Tonight, audience members will get to choose between Call Box Situation, A Makeshift Tradition, Monster, and Skitn. Wednesday's lineup will include XLP, Troy's Bucket, Dakari Connection and Haley Jane.

To qualify for participation, at least one band member has to be a registered UA student. Each band will have 30 minutes to set up and play.

"We're just kind of worried about the rain," said University Activities Board national concerts chair Kristen Maryn. She suggested audience members bring sweaters to counter the winter evening on the open grass.

Maryn said the Battle usually draws an audience of about 200.

"The way they did it last year, as soon as the fourth band starts playing, we'll open up voting so it gives everyone a chance to hear," Maryn said.

She added that all four bands that make it to the finals next Monday will receive a gift certificate.

"We have four different gift certificates to different music places around town," Maryn said, adding there may be additional prizes donated by businesses near Main Gate.

Both semifinals and the finals for the Battle of the Bands 2004 will last from 5 to 7 p.m.