Competition Categories

Category 1:  All bandmembers under 21 years of age

Prizes up to $500 

Competition: Saturday March 30 starting at 2pm

Category 2: Band includes any members over 21 years of age

Prizes up to $1,500

Competition: Saturday March 30 Starting at 5:30pm

  The stage is set!

Here is the estimated schedule for the final battles.

Category 1 Final Battle     

Band Introductions 1:45pm
First Band 2:00pm
Second Band 2:30pm
Third Band 3:00pm
Fourth Band 3:30pm
Fifth Band 4:00pm
Judges tally 4:30pm
Winner Announced 4:45pm


Final Battle Category 2     

Band Introductions 5:30pm
First Band 5:45pm
Second Band 6:15pm
Third Band 6:45pm
Fourth Band 7:15pm
Fifth Band 7:45pm
Judges tally 8:15pm
Winner Announced 8:30pm

What Bands Need to Know:

• The top five bands from each category will compete live at the Final Battle on March 30, 2024 at the Water Street Plaza Amphitheater.

• Bands are required to share relevant City of Henderson links on social media to help create a buzz around their involvement in the contest. City of Henderson will share these links with the finalists. 

• Performers must bring their own instruments, cables and stands (for keyboards, etc...).  Microphones/PA, guitar/bass amplifiers and a drum set will be provided. Drummers can bring their own snare, cymbals, and drumsticks, though the kit will be provided as a complete kit without the need for those items.

• The City of Henderson will provide daytime access for sound checks as scheduled for the final battle bands. Bands will need to come to the venue at their scheduled times so that proper levels can be set and saved to the house PA equipment.

• Bands will have 25 minutes on stage, which includes getting yourself situated, playing your set and leaving the stage. Effective use of this time is part of the judging criteria. 

• The City of Henderson is not responsible for loading/storing any band equipment. Band shall be liable for delivery, handling, and removal of all personal equipment. Any band-branded items must sit on the floor and cannot be hung or posted on the stage walls, truss, or doors. The City prohibits any nailing, stapling, taping or otherwise affixing items to the wall, ground, or anything in the show area in such a way to cause damage. Engaging in these acts could result in grounds for disqualification.

• Due to the size of the amphitheater stage and seating areas, overall on-stage sound levels must be limited. Excessive volume levels may lead to a point deduction.

• Dollies/hand trucks WILL NOT be supplied by City of Henderson. Participants must bring their own.

• No open flame or pyrotechnic effects shall be used or performed on City of Henderson property. Engaging in these acts could result in grounds for disqualification. Venue has a house lighting rig and no supplemental fixtures are to be allowed

Food and beverages vendors will be available on the plaza during the event.  

And A Beer – Wine, Beer, Seltzer, Soda, Water

El Doggs Grill – Footlong Hotdog, Polish Hotdog, Fries, Chips, Burger, Hot Links, Lemonade

Good Bad Delicious- Falafel Bites (Vegan and gluten free), Spicy Mac Bites, Giant Pretzel, Chipotle Chicken Skewer Taco Bowl, Al Pastor Pork Taco Bowl, Caprese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Triple Cheese Pizza, Elote Pizza

Sweet Treats- Mini Donuts, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Smoothies, Frappes, Sunset Punch (Lemonade + Fruit Punch)

You can also visit the many bars and restaurants in the Water Street District.

• The votes will be tallied and the Battle winners will be announced at the end of each competition category. City of Henderson judging panel will vote based on the following criteria:
  • Planning/preparedness
  • Originality
  • Interface with audience
  • Quality of performance
  • Conformance to contest rules
  • Presentation
• Event participants agree to the use of videos and photographs taken at the event for promotional purposes. Any photos taken at the event are property of the event.

• Performers must be local to the Southern Nevada area.
• A band is defined as any number of people more than one.
• Category 1 bands must have all members under the age of 21.
• Category 2 bands must have at least one member 21 years or older.
• Top five bands selected will compete for the top three placements and will be awarded cash prizes!
  • Category 1
    • 1st place grand prize is $500
    • 2nd place prize is $200
    • 3rd place prize is $100
  • Category 2
    
    • 1st place grand prize is $1,500
    • 2nd place runner up prize is $500
    • 3rd place prize is $250

• All band submissions may also lead to future bookings for City events—subject to the event needs and discernment of the City's Special Events team.

• Application period will be open January 15-March 1, 2024. 

•  Submission categories and requirements:
  • Category 1: submit 1 song on video (original or cover)
  • Category 2: submit 2 songs performances on video (one cover, one original) 

• All video submissions must be produced for the purpose of this contest and cannot be from previous engagements or contests.

• Lyrics cannot include profanity, derogatory remarks, sexually explicit content or violence. Engaging in these acts will result in disqualification.

• Videos should be submitted at: Submissions are now closed. 

• Videos can be created using a single smartphone camera (widescreen, not square, please) or can be as elaborate as you have means to provide. Remember that the judges will need clear audio with a good mix to hear what you really sound like.

• The performance space (stage) should look like it is prepared/decorated for the performance and reflect your band’s personality. Keep in mind the audience is a family-friendly venue.

• Staged/Music Videos are not going to be accepted for the contest.

• A judging panel consisting of locally based artists and industry professionals will select bands based on the following criteria:
  • Planning/preparedness
  • Originality
  • Interface with “audience”
  • Quality of performance
  • Conformance to contest rules
  • Presentation

• The top five finalists will be selected and notified on March 15, 2024.