Henderson, NV

Congratulations to our 2026 winners!

WINNERS  Category 1 (under 21 years of age)

First Place: Tossing Steel
Second Place: Ebisuzawa
Third Place: No Off Switch

WINNERS Category 2 (over 21 years of age) 

First Place: Terminal One
Second Place: Zaddy Kelly & The Skeleton Krewe
Third Place: Shades of Indigo

• 5:30pm - Event Open
• 6pm - Ebisuzawa
• 6:30pm - Tossing Steel
• 7pm - Yellow the Band
• 7:30pm - Xed Out
• 8pm - No Off Switch

• 5:30pm - Event Open
• 6pm - Zaddy Kelly and the Skeleton Krewe
• 6:30pm - Shades of Indigo
• 7pm - Terminal One
• 7:30pm - Emerald Empire
• 8pm - The Rumors

What Bands Need to Know:

• The top five bands from each category will compete live at the Final Battle on March 27 & 28, 2026 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

Competition Categories

Category 1:  All bandmembers under 21 years of age

First Place $500

Second Place $250

Third Place $150

Competition: Friday, March 27 starting at 5:30pm

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

First Place $1,500

Second Place $750

Third Place $350 

Competition: Saturday, March 28 Starting at 5:30pm

Applications Now Closed

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

• 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 and applications will be submitted via a link provided here during the submission period (January 14-February 20).

• 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 13, 2026.

• 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 $250
    • 3rd place prize is $150
  • Category 2
    
    • 1st place grand prize is $1,500
    • 2nd place runner up prize is $750
    • 3rd place prize is $350

• 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.

What are the judges looking for?  

• 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.

A high-energy cover band assembled by 3 high school students (Johnny Thornton, Demetre Miglia and Stig), Tossing Steel was born from the raw passion of 90’s alternative rock. Their goal is to help foster the local music community and, most importantly, to have fun while doing it!

Yellow The Band is a Henderson rock band featuring band and orchestra students from Liberty High School. The band is mainly focused on playing ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s rock, but has begun writing originals as well. Previous performances include several school events, a tree-lighting and birthday parties.

XED Out is a 3-piece band of high school freshman from Henderson, Nevada.'

No Off Switch is a high-energy teen rock band from Las Vegas, proving that passion has no age limit. Made up of four young musicians: Dex (guitar), X-Man (drums), Joanna (bass), and Nita (vocals)—they bring big sound, bold confidence and nonstop energy to every stage. With two original songs and performances at the Punk Rock Museum, AREA15 and Container Park, this band is just getting started. Catch them next at Maxan Jazz and at more venues across Las Vegas—because when No Off Switch plugs in, the volume stays up and the dreams keep rolling.

A teen post-hardcore/metalcore band, Ebisuzawa was inspired by bands such as Asking Alexandria, Sleeping with Sirens and Silverstein. They are growing to be one of the area's biggest post-hardcore acts, even working on their first studio album! Collectively, they have 30+ years of experience between the 5 members and have played over 200+ shows combined.

Playing rock ’n’ roll, Terminal One brings loud energy and a no-frills attitude. Listeners are told to sit back and not bother holding on to their socks—because they will get knocked off anyway.

Made up of pros from multiple local bands, Zaddy Kelly and the Skeleton Krewe features Kelly Dorn, Chris Zemba, Beau Mead, Kurt Gepke and Mark Sperling, who all met originally as members of the Down South Jukers.

Shades of Indigo is a progressive rock band known for their dynamic sound, intricate compositions and emotionally driven live performances.

A Returning Top 5 Band.

We are a 90s and 00s-inspired rock band with inspiration ranging from grunge and alternative to extreme metal. We have been playing together and writing original music for almost a year now and are looking to get our feet wet and start playing some shows around Vegas!

You can find The Rumors from each needle point of the compass. They are a four-piece band, originally from Nevada, and have been playing for a total of 2 years.