HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands returns to Atlanta this weekend

February 3rd, 2023

Alabama A&M University Marching Band members take a knee at the 16th annual Honda Battle of Bands at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in January. No matter the event, bands from historically black colleges and universities are the reason people stay near their seats during halftime football games instead of going to the concession stands. Their show-stopping performances have made an imprint on pop culture, music and film.

Jonathan Landrum Jr. / Associated Press

The marching bands of six HBCUs and two local high schools are gearing up to take the center field at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend.

Tom Grabowski, the founder of the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands, says attendees at this year’s showcase can expect to hear the best music they’ve ever heard.

“We’ve got an all-star line-up,” said Grabowski.

Marching bands from Bethune-Cookman University, Alabama State University, North Carolina A&T, Norfolk State University, South Carolina State University, and Tennessee State University will perform for 12 minutes each on Saturday.

Two Atlanta high schools, Pebblebrook and Westlake, are also scheduled to take the center field.

The event will also feature a college fair. The fair will start at 10 am followed by the performances at 3 pm.