The band Splinter, based in Ottumwa, won the ABATE of Iowa Battle of the Bands on Saturday, May 23 in Algona. They competed against nine other bands from throughout Iowa.

Lead singer Johnny Wicker is originally from Moravia.

The band was asked to represent local ABATE district 14 by Chaz Hesling.

The winners were decided by three judges who scored the bands according to stage presence, song technicality, audience reaction, staying within time restrictions, etc.

First prize was to play the main stage at the Freedom Rally in Algona over the July 4th weekend and $1,000.

Splinter’s winning position will let them open for the Kentucky Headhunters July 4th on the main stage at the Freedom Rally.

Splinter is playing the Pig Out at Krazy Connie’s Landing at Rathbun Lake on Saturday, June 6; The Baldy Memorial Ride at the fairgrounds in What Cheer Saturday, June 20; and The Winds, Friday, June 26 in Oskaloosa.