The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South has been selected as one of six bands to perform at the Honda Battle of the Bands in Inglewood, Calif.
The Battle of the Bands is scheduled for Feb. 1 at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.
The bands were chosen by fan voting that was open through Aug. 15 at the Honda Battle of the Bands’ website. Nearly 600,000 votes were cast, according to host and entertainer Nick Cannon.
“Because of fan voting, we will showcase our talents to the West Coast and represent the university and the state of Arkansas,” M4 band director John Graham Jr. said. “On behalf of the band members and staff, I thank all the fans who voted us there.”
UAPB last participated in the Battle in 2014 in Atlanta.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Battle, first staged in 2003, will also feature the National College Resources Foundation’s Black College Expo prior to the show. The Expo will feature more than 200 public and private institutions including historically Black colleges and universities with more than $10 million available in scholarships.
Other bands competing include Alabama A&M University’s Maroon and White Band; Alabama State University’s Mighty Marching Hornets; Hampton University’s Marching Force; North Carolina A&T State University’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine; and Southern University’s Human Jukebox.
Honda announced all bands participating in the voting process will be awarded an HBOB Legacy Grant.
Tickets may be purchased at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A00609AE15E49F4