Battle of the Bands Event to Raise Money While Rocking Out

The competition for the title of Tuscaloosa’s Best Band 2022 is heating up, and the bands are ready to rock for a good cause.

Round 2 of the Battle of the Bands scholarship fundraiser takes place Sept. 29, 8 p.m., at Druid City Social. The six bands performing — Poundcake, The Wheelers, Rendezvous, Five Card Draw, Amberwave and Midnight Steel — are all comprised of UA students.

Hosted by UA’s Student Government Association, along with the Interfraternity Council and the University of Alabama Panhellenic Association, the fundraiser is all about students supporting fellow students.

“All of the money raised from this event is going to the SGA Joe Espy Needs Based Scholarship,” said Collier Dobbs, SGA’s vice president of external affairs.

“This scholarship is utility based, meaning that UA students facing financial hardships will be able to use these funds to help pay for needs outside of their academic obligations such as car payments, rent, etc.”

The competition breaks down like this:

Bands started applying for the competition in July, and Round 1 voting took place Sept. 9-11 through the SGA’s Instagram reels. Those winners moved on to Round 2.

During the Sept. 29 event, after each band plays, QR codes will be displayed on TV screens in the venue, allowing students to grade the band that just performed.

The four bands that grade the highest will move onto the championship round at Druid City Musical Hall on Oct. 20. The winner of the championship round will be coined “The Best Band in Tuscaloosa 2022” and they will receive a cash prize.

Tickets:

Individual tickets are $10 and can be picked up in the SGA office in the Student Center.

Bulk tickets are available at a discounted price:

• 25 Tickets – $200 ($50 discount)
• 50 Tickets – $400 ($100 discount)
• 75 Tickets – $600 ($150 discount)
• 100 Tickets – $750 ($250 discount)
• 200 Tickets – $1450 ($550 discount)

To purchase tickets, send a payment through Venmo to @AlabamaIFC or write a check to The University of Alabama with UA SGA in the memo. If bulk tickets are being purchased, be sure to list the organization’s name in the message so ticket drop-off can be arranged.

“Multiple corporate sponsors have been very generous to donate money to help fund the event and the scholarship,” said Dobbs. “I would like to acknowledge Tuscaloosa Toyota, Taco Mama and The Shirt Shop.”

Can’t make the show, but still want to help? There’s a t-shirt for that.

“JNJ Apparel is launching Battle of the Bands t-shirts at the end of the week, and they can be purchased on the JNJ Apparel website,” Dobbs said. “The profits from the t-shirts will be donated to the SGA Joe Espy Needs Based Scholarship as well.”

Check out SGA’s Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.