The Bellas, a local band whose four members are cousins, has advanced to the final round of the “Rock to the Top” music competition.
The competition is open to all New Jersey bands and all styles of music. The competition is judged by a sponsor, the Stone Pony, and local media and rated on talent, stage presence and audience response.
The Bellas are sisters Izzy DeFabritus and Giul DeFabritus, the daughters of Yvette and Rich DeFabritus of Freehold Township, and their cousins, Abby White, the daughter of Shannon and Chris White of Monroe Township, and Linds McCabe, the daughter of Kristin and Jason McCabe of Brick Township.
The Bellas competed in the first round of “Rock to the Top” at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park during 2019 and advanced to the semifinals on the basis of their performance.
The “Rock to the Top” semifinals were held on Jan. 3 at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, and according to Rich DeFabritus, the young ladies advanced to the final round with another strong performance.
For the semifinals, each member of the band was outfitted in black leather. The Bellas opened with “Rock and Roll All Night” by Kiss and then played “Do You Wanna Touch Me” by Joan Jett.
The middle of the set featured the Bellas’ original song “Teenage Dropout,” followed by Jett’s “Bad Reputation” and the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop.”
The Bellas closed the set with a performance of “Long Way To The Top” by AC/DC.
DeFabritus said a date for the final round of the competition has not been determined.
Izzy, 18, is the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter. She is a graduate of Howell High School and attends Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
Giul, 15, keeps the beat for the Bellas behind the drum kit. She attends Communications High School, Wall Township.
Abby, 16, is the Bellas’ lead singer. She attends Monroe Township High School.
Linds, 18, is the band’s bass player. She is preparing to enter the U.S. Marine Corps.
The first prize in the “Rock to the Top” competition will be $2,500 and a chance to open for a national act at the Stone Pony.