Madison Arts Alliance to premiere ‘Battle of the Bands’ at Home Place Park on Sept. 6
MADISON – Madison Arts Alliance or MAA will introduce a new community event with the premiere of “Battle of the Bands.”
Home Place Park, 100 Shorter St. will be the venue for this event on Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. “This exciting competition will showcase six talented local bands, each bringing their unique sound to the stage,” MAA Executive Board Member Maxine Retzer said.
“This event is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of the incredible talent we have in North Alabama,” Retzer said. “We’re excited to bring the community together for a night of free live music, fellowship and fun. We’re grateful to have outstanding music industry partners, such as The Camp, St. Stephen’s Music Hall and Gonzo Promotions, helping us make it possible.”
Competing bands will perform a mix of original music and iconic covers from artists like Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, The Marshall Tucker Band, Gnarls Barkley and Chris Stapleton.
The grand prize package includes cash plus paid performance opportunities in the 2026 “Sounds of Summer” concert series and at The Beer Hog. A panel of judges from the local music industry will decide the winners.
The event includes these bands:
* SBW Band — No-holds-barred punk rock trio known for raw energy and rebellious spirit. They promise to ‘rock your world’ and leave you screaming for more. Expect a high-octane set filled with attitude and grit. PolarBear Littrell, bass guitar; Eddie Littrell, guitar/lead vocals; and Stephen Baumgartner, drums.
* Moss on Mars — Psychedelic space/rock band hailing from across North Alabama that takes audiences on a cosmic journey with layered jams and trippy soundscapes. With roots in long-term collaborations, their spacey vibe recently electrified crowds at Gonzofest and The Camp. Danny Sparkman, keys/vocals; Maclain Eidson, guitar; Mac McDonald, bass; Seth Waller, drums; and Zander Dowdy, aerophone.
* Neon Avenue — Blurs genres, offering fans a sound that’s as intriguing as it is undefinable. Their performances disorient, excite and transform, creating an immersive musical experience unlike any other. Joey Smith, keyboard; Kris Hall, vocals; Trip Carpenter, drums; and Conner McDaniel, synthesizer.
* Shane Davis Group — Improvisational rock ‘n’ roll trio that channels ‘Cosmic American Music’ with comparisons to Widespread Panic, Phish and The Grateful Dead. Expect soaring guitar riffs, tight rhythms and free-flowing jams that captivate fans of classic and modern rock. Shane Davis, guitar/vocals; Jeff Bailey, bass/vocals; and Shaun Bloodsworth, drums.
* State Route 71 — With roots deep in southern rock, State Route 71 delivers electrifying performances, steeped in grit and heart. Their hard-driving sound and dynamic stage presence have earned a loyal following across North Alabama. Eli Reynolds, guitar/vocals; Jake Duvall, bass/vocals; and Jase Moore, drums.
* Daryl.Jr – Blend of soulful energy with timeless classics that resonate across generations. Their bond as friends fuels their heartfelt performances, whether grooving to a laid-back rhythm or belting out a powerful ballad. Marcus Traylor, keyboard; Larry Garner, guitar; Jemiah Robinson, drums; John Baker, bass; and Daryl Bowden, vocals.
MAA appreciates event sponsors: City of Madison Parks and Recreation, River Bank and Trust, Tim and Sharon Holcombe, The Offices at Spenryn, Signalink, Legacy Health Chiropractic, Pure Barre Madison, Jarvinen and Balch, Alfa Insurance – Colvert and Klein Agency, Main Street Cafe, Gonzo Promotions, The Camp, Life Fitness, The Parlor, St. Stephens Music Hall and The Beer Hog.
