On Feb. 26, the Lansdowne Pub was packed with energy and a vivacious crowd. As eager guitarists practiced backstage, audience members clinked drinks in anticipation of a night of rock music and competition.
Music fanatics were getting ready to watch The Ultimate Shredder Contest, presented by the New England-based nonprofit Music Drives Us. The competition narrows down a group of musicians through a bracket of live performances in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a live crowd, in hopes of winning the grand prize of $10,000 and the title of the “Ultimate Shredder.”
This event was a special one for Music Drives Us founder Ernie Boch Jr. as it celebrated 20 years since the organization’s founding. Music Drives Us has dedicated the last two decades to providing access to music education.
After some electrifying opening performances, host and respected rock-broadcaster Eddie Trunk riled up the crowd as the first two contestants, Jodee Frawlee and Poh Hock Kee, prepared to play. While the crowd was immersed in the shredders as the competition began, judges paid close attention to make their first choice of the night.
With no hesitation, the contestants amazed the crowd with shreds that were worthy of the $10,000 grand prize. Afterward, the celebrity judges of the night — Ryan Roxie, Tommy Henriksen, Siobhan Cronin, Benny Goodman and Barry Goodreau — held up cards with the name of the round’s winner. Judges used their expertise in the field to decide who would advance after each round.
After a series of competitive face-offs and performances, Tyler Morris and John Fedele made the final round. The crowd seemed amazed by Morris’ dynamic performance and impressive tricks. Fedele won over the judges with an intricate sci-fi act and great technical skill. Although the competition was close, Fedele won the title with his passionate and talent-filled shred.
After his tremendous win, Fedele explained how the majority of the $10,000 prize would go to his daughter’s future, while the rest would be used to keep up his award-winning shreds.
“I’m probably going to end up buying another guitar,” Fedele said. “If I had to name it … I would name it … after my daughter.”
