BandWagon Magazine Presents
17 bands. Four cities.
One winner from each prelim advances. Four bands reach the finale. Bands must be available January 23, 2027 at Moxi Theater in Greeley to advance.
Doors 6 PM · Music 7 PM · Mountain time
The bands
Tap a band for its bio and links. Names are listed in bill order, not set order.
Tickets: $20 + fees online. $20 at the door. 2 fan votes per ticket holder.
Doors 6 PM · Music 7 PM · Mountain time
The bands
Tap a band for its bio and links. Names are listed in bill order, not set order.
Tickets: $20 + fees online. $20 at the door. 2 fan votes per ticket holder.
Doors 6 PM · Music 7 PM · Mountain time
The bands
Tap a band for its bio and links. Names are listed in bill order, not set order.
Tickets: $20 + fees online. $20 at the door. 2 fan votes per ticket holder.
Doors 6 PM · Music 7 PM · Mountain time
The bands
Tap a band for its bio and links. Names are listed in bill order, not set order.
Tickets: $20 + fees online. $20 at the door. 2 fan votes per ticket holder.
Four prelim winners. One champion. The finale lineup will be set after the prelims.
Finale ticket link coming soon. Door tickets are $20.
Prelim tickets are $20 plus online ticketing fees. Door tickets are $20 each night.
The grand prize
The 2026 champion receives $5,000 and a BandWagon Magazine cover story.
The winning band receives $5,000.
The winner lands the BandWagon Magazine cover in print and digital, plus a full feature story.
Join more than a decade of Colorado champions and carry the Battle of the Bands title into 2027.
How the battle works
Four preliminary winners play the finale at Moxi Theater in Greeley.
Bands play 30 to 40-minute preliminary sets.
Each band receives an average judge score plus 1 point for every fan vote.
Win your round and play a 30-minute finale set at Moxi Theater on January 23, 2027.
About 10 judges each score every band out of 100. We average those judge scores, then add 1 point for each fan vote the band receives. The highest total wins the round. Each ticket holder gets 2 fan votes.
100 points total
About 10 judges score each band using this rubric. Each judge can award up to 100 points.
Printable judges sheet (PDF)Were instruments and equipment ready before the set (in tune, cables ready, pedals set)? Was all gear on stage? Did they start and end on time?
Evidence of rehearsal, lyrics learned, a clearly planned set list, or a creative absence of one.
How unique did the band sound? Does the music have a clear identity?
Did the band look original and consistent? Did they stand out?
Introductions, talking to the crowd, call and response. Confidence in front of an audience.
Did the band get the crowd to participate, and did they participate with the crowd (waving, clapping, jumping, dancing)? Was it necessary and authentic?
Did the set follow a plan, and was it well built and executed? Highs, lows, an arc. Any bad notes or biffed vocals?
Use of the stage, confidence, interaction between members, how they handled problems.
Do the songs show craft and stand out? Is the structure right for the band?
Groove, rhythmic and tonal consistency, arrangements, knowing parts, technical skill.
Something never seen before. Energy, sparkle, attributes you cannot name.
Respect for other participants, the audience and the judges, on and off stage.
Covers are not disallowed. They can help or hurt the originality score. Mostly originals is a good rule of thumb.
Since 2011
The Battle began in Northern Colorado and expanded across the Front Range in 2022. Meet the acts that took the title.
Denver
Meet the champion '24Denver
Meet the champion '23Greeley
Meet the champion '22Colorado Springs
Meet the champion '21Fort Collins
Meet the champion '19Greeley
Meet the champion '18Fort Collins
Meet the champion '17Greeley
Meet the champion '16Fort Collins
Meet the champion '15Greeley
Meet the champion '14Greeley
Meet the champion '13Greeley
Meet the champion '12Greeley
Meet the championBand applications are closed. Selections are made.
Tell us about your music experience and which events you can attend.
Start your judge applicationApplying does not confirm a judging assignment.Back the battle
The Battle runs on venues, brands, fans, and industry professionals who believe in Colorado music.
Reach live music fans through five shows, four cities, print, digital, social coverage, and on-stage visibility.
Ask about sponsorshipPromoters, bookers, radio hosts, press, producers, engineers, and working musicians can help crown a champion.
Apply to judge2026 venue partners
The Roxy · Lulu's Downtown · Sound Bar · Moxi Theater
Common questions
Door tickets are $20 each night. Each ticket holder gets 2 fan votes.
One winner from each prelim advances. Four bands reach the finale. Bands must be available January 23, 2027 at Moxi Theater in Greeley to advance.
The competition is for bands based in Colorado or Southern Wyoming. Band applications are closed and selections are made. This event is designed for ensembles.
Covers are not disallowed. They can help or hurt the originality score. Mostly originals is a good rule of thumb.
There is no entry fee or advance ticket sales requirement. Band applications are closed and selections are made.
About 10 judges each score every band out of 100. We average those judge scores, then add 1 point for each fan vote the band receives. The highest total wins the round. Each ticket holder gets 2 fan votes.
No. Band applications are closed and selections are made.
Bands must be available January 23, 2027 at Moxi Theater in Greeley to advance.
Drums and a bass amp are provided. Bring your own guitar amps, guitars, cymbals, snare, and pedals. Full production details go to advancing bands before showtime.
Preliminary sets are 30 to 40 minutes. Finale sets are 30 minutes. Load-in and stage times are advanced by the production team.
$5,000 cash, the cover of BandWagon Magazine in print and digital, a full feature story, and the right to say you won the Battle of the Bands.
