2023 National Battle of the Bands: An 'Epic Showdown in H-Town'
HOUSTON - The National Battle of the Bands, created by Derek Webber, is returning to Houston for its fourth year at 6 PM CT in NRG Stadium on Saturday, Aug 26. During the previous season, over 55,000 marching band enthusiasts filled NRG Stadium to witness the performances of some of the top HBCU marching bands in the country, as observed by HBCU Legends.
"The event has really exploded since we've been in Houston," National Battle of the Bands founder Derek Webber told HBCU Legends. "Our partnerships, like Pepsi, make this a great event for all the band members and fans to participate in. It's been a blessing. We've been very humbled by the way we've been growing overall with this event. And really, to be honest with you, it's just an opportunity for us to continue to generate scholarships for our youth."
According to our unofficial scorecards from last year, the Southern University Human Jukebox had the best overall performance by a marching band. They impressed us with their unique sound, impressive marching abilities, and energetic dance routine led by the nationally recognized "Dancing Dolls."
Credit: National Battle of the Bands
Prepare for the ultimate showdown at the 2023 National Battle of the Bands, presented by Webber and Pepsico! This year's lineup is shaping up to be the best yet, featuring some of the most legendary marching bands from the SWAC, including Southern, Florida A&M, Texas Southern, and Mississippi Valley State. These talented groups will be battling it out against Grammy-winning Tennessee State band and Langston, Virginia State, and Norfolk State, all vying for the coveted title of Pepsi 2023 National Battle of the Bands champions. The band's throwdown will go down in H-Town, with Texas Southern serving as the host band.
Take advantage of this epic musical showdown! "Well, this one is right on time since we missed out the last two years," Ocean of Soul Band Director Brian Simmons said. "The first year, COVID was running rampant through Harris County, so we weren't able to attend. Last year, Prairie View, it was their opportunity [to host in Houston]. To be honest, we really needed those two years...even though we missed out, this is the one we're supposed to be right here. So we're good."
The brass will be blaring, and sousaphones will hold down the bass lines, while the drumlines will keep the beat in at least three hours of the best sounds from HBCU powerhouse marching bands. The bands will be the main course, but the dancing teams will be the icing on the cake for the evening's festivities. Keep an eye on the Southern's "Dancing Dolls, "Texas Southern's "Motion of Ocean," and the Tennessee State's "Sophisticated Ladies," who will be there to thrill the crowd.
The National Battle of the Bands partners will offer scholarships, career and business opportunities, and other resources. "PepsiCo has been a partner with Webber Marketing and the National Battle of Bands for three years," Pepsico VP Kent Montgomery remarked. "It's an amazing partnership that we have together...We also want to be a part of this because it's important and integral to our diversity, equity and inclusion, and racial equality journey. It's a perfect partnership for PepsiCo, and we're happy to be here."
2023 NATIONAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITORS
- Florida A&M University - "The Incomparable Marching 100"
- Langston University - The "Marching Pride" Band
- Mississippi Valley State University - The Mean Green Marching Machine
- Norfolk State University - The Spartan "Legion" Marching Band
- Southern University - "The Human Jukebox"
- Tennessee State University - The Aristocrat of Bands
- Texas Southern University - The "Ocean of Soul" Marching Band
- Virginia State University - The "Trojan Marching Explosion"
To purchase tickets and for more information about the NBOTB, visit http://www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/ and stay updated on social media at @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).