Friday marked the eighth annual Jammies Night of Contemporary Music at the Crest Theater on 1013 K St. The Jammies are a musical competition for high-school-aged musicians who are selected from the a Battle of the Bands concert series. This aligned with the Jammies Evening of Classical Music held Saturday at the Mondavi Center.

Musicians from 11 acts ranging in age from 12 to 20 showcased their talent for a packed house at the Crest.

From the hardcore metal of Carcerys Vale to the acoustic guitar solo of Julianna Zachariou, the youths put on a fantastic show that really shed light on the next generation of music coming from Sacramento.

Danny Secretion, elementary school teacher and member of legendary Sacramento punk group The Secretions hosted the evening's entertainment. He held together an amazing show, introducing the bands and spending some time with them on stage, getting to know them and giving the audience an idea of what they're all about.

As an established musician, Secretion brought inspiration to the young performers and gave advice to help them along the long and arduous path to celebrity.

The top three bands were selected by audience vote with support from judges Mark Gilmore, host of KRXQ 98 Rock's Local Licks and Debora Iyall, vocalist for California band Romeo Void.

"We're looking for stage presence, set flow and overall how damn good they play," Gilmore said.

According to Gilmore and Iyall, the judges offered professional opinions to the event host, the Sacramento News & Review, to help make sure that not only the most popular bands won, but the most dedicated, hard-working and organized bands.

Beyond publicity, the musical acts were in the hunt for some impressive prizes.

Third place, won by preteen three-piece punk band Simpl3Jack, was awarded a $150 Dimple gift card.

Second place, taken by acoustic soloist Julianna Zachariou with backup help from schoolmates, won a $350 Dimple gift card.

First place was won by One Eyed Rhyno, a four-piece alternative band who flaunts a jazzy, stylized traditional rock routine. One Eyed Rhyno was offered 10 hours of recording time at Pus Cavern Studios on 4865 Pasadena Ave. in Sacramento.

All three winners also received Sony production and editing software by event sponsor Sacramento Film & Music Festival worth more than $600.

"The Sacramento music scene is a great place for bands to start up," said members of closing act, If A Tree Falls.

If A Tree Falls played the 2009 Jammies and won a music video shoot for the performance.

"Last year was an awesome show, and we are hoping for the same thing again this year," band members said of their 2009 performance.

Now that this year's event has come and gone, anticipation grows again for the 2011 Jammies.

For more information about the Jammies and a complete lineup, visit newsreview.com/sacramento/2010_jammies/event.