The 2nd Annual 'Battle of the Bands' will be happening at the Paramount Center for the Arts on Wednesday Night, April 1st, 2026, and the bands have been selected!

Six central Minnesota talented bands have been chosen to compete, all of them 20 years of age or younger, all playing original music, all doing it for a great cause. The next generation of musicians is stepping into the spotlight, and if you love discovering raw talent before the rest of the world catches on, this is your moment!

2ND ANNUAL 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'

The 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands is back, and it’s bigger, louder, and packed with undeniable talent. Presented by Project 37 and Interact of St. Cloud Crush (with support from St. Cloud Subaru), this high-energy event is all about giving young artists a stage and a shot at winning time in a professional recording studio. Believe me, it's every musician's dream to do that!

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SIX BANDS...ONE UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT

This year’s finalists? They’re not just good. They’re amazing!

On Wednesday, April 1st, the historic Paramount Center for the Arts will transform into a full-blown showcase of Central Minnesota’s rising music scene. Six bands. Six unique sounds. One unforgettable night. Let’s meet the lineup that’s preparing to bring their unique sounds to St. Cloud for everyone to enjoy.

MEET THIS YEAR'S FINALISTS COMPETING FOR THE GRAND PRIZE

If you've never written a song, the lyrics, the melody, the harmonies, know that it is NOT an easy process. There are edits, changes, additions, and sometimes multiple minds all working together to create something that touches people's hearts and makes them feel something. These bands have worked together to accomplish those goals, and the following bands are your finalists, performing for a chance at professional recording studio time.

CHAMELEON // Hard Rock

I had the opportunity to be a judge in a talent contest in northern Minnesota a few months back, and was blown away by this three-piece band. I have them on my music playlist, and can't wait to watch what they do with their talent. Down-to-earth nice guys who want nothing more in life than to entertain you. This Ramsey-based trio channels the spirit of classic 80s rock. Think Van Halen vibes with a fresh, young edge. Joey, Porter, and Marek may be young, but they’re already producing original music and building a following.

SHATTERED SPADES // Rock

If you like your music loud, gritty, and full of adrenaline, this is your band. With pounding drums, explosive dual guitars, and vocals that hit hard, Shattered Spades brings pure, unfiltered energy to the stage.

F-18 // Pop Punk

Fast, fun, and full of attitude, F-18 is carrying the pop punk torch into the next generation. Formed just last year, they’ve got big goals and an even bigger sound, blending catchy hooks with that classic punk edge.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT // IndieAlt

Creative, original, and unapologetically themselves, this trio leans into indie and alternative influences to craft a sound that feels both modern and meaningful. Their music is the kind you feel as much as you hear.

FOÖN // Rock

Don’t let their age fool you! This Stillwater group is already making serious waves. From winning their school’s battle of the bands to organizing their own music festival, FOÖN is proof that passion and drive can take you far...fast.

FAREWELL // Indie Rock/Alt

Inspired by a wide range of artists, Farewell blends emotion, creativity, and musicianship into something truly special. These high school musicians aren’t just playing songs; they’re telling stories.

OTHER STORIES: ‘Chameleon’ Steals The Show -Wins $10,000

AN EVENT ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY

This event isn’t just about competition, it’s about community. It’s about giving young artists a place to be heard, to grow, and to connect. And for the audience, it’s a chance to say, “I saw them before they made it big.”

So if you’re looking for a night filled with live music, local pride, and the kind of talent that gives you chills, this is it.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Tickets are available now by clicking HERE. Or you can go to paramountarts.org and get your seats today.

The music is original. The talent is great. The performers are all under the age of 20! The future of Central Minnesota’s music scene is ready to take the stage, and I hope you will join me and show them your support.