Reviewed by: Patience Itson
ANNOUNCING: Battle of the Bands is live at an HBCU campus for first time—Feb. 18, 2023 in Montgomery
ByCecilia Wood
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For the first time since 2020, Honda Battle of the Bands will return to a live event format. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, marching bands and dance teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will compete in Battle of the Bands for the first time on an HBCU campus at Alabama State University in Montgomery. Keep reading for the details.
All about Honda Battle of the Bands
Honda and the HBCU community partner for the annual Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), a showcase for HBCU marching bands. The first HBOB was in 2023, and for almost 20 years, HBCU bands and dance teams have competed on the national stage.
Typically, HBOB takes place in Atlanta, but now, the event will make history at Montgomery’s Alabama State University! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the live event hasn’t been held since 2020.
“In 2023, we will take Honda Battle of the Bands to an HBCU campus and look forward to sharing our inspirational HBCU journey with loyal HBOB fans and society.”
Yvette Hunsicker, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity, American Honda via press release
Why Alabama State University?
Alabama State University‘s Might Marching Hornets, a nationally recognized marching band, has made appearances in other Battles of the Band, halftime performances for the Magic City Classic and Beyoncé’s Netflix special HΘMΣCΘMING: A film by Beyoncé. Clearly, they’re no strangers to the spotlight.
“We are extremely excited that Alabama State University has been selected as the site for the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands. By bringing the popular event to the ASU campus, Honda has advanced and strengthened its longstanding support of the nation’s HBCUs. The ASU stadium will provide a perfect setting for the Honda Battle of the Bands, and I know that with the support of Hornet Nation, the City of Montgomery and HBOB fans, the event will be a great success.”
Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., President, Alabama State University via press release
How to vote for the bands that will compete
You can help choose which bands will participate in the Battle of the Bands by voting here before October 31.
Winners will be announced on November 19, so be sure to check HBOB’s social media channels to see who’s competing.
For more buzzy updates like this, follow The Bama Buzz on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn today.
