SAFFORD — There are big changes coming to Battle of the Bands this year.
The 22nd annual music festival is moving indoors for the first time, taking place in the Ag Building at Graham County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 12.
“We realized we have 1,600, 1,700 people show up, but it’s real transient,” said organizer Reed Richins, owner of Double R Communications. “They come, they see their band and they go home because it’s just too hot.”
The bands will perform on the United Way Stage in the newly-cemented back room, with the front room serving as the Bud Light beer garden, dining area and patio.
As is tradition, the Nickel Picnic will also take place alongside Battle of Bands, with hot dogs sold for just 5 cents. All proceeds from the beer garden and Nickel Picnic benefit SEACUS, which operates the Meals on Wheels program for homebound seniors, as well as the Senior Centers in Safford, Clifton and Duncan.
The other big change is an increase in the prize money. The first-place band this year will receive a Trophies N’ Tees plaque and $3,000, up from $2,000 last year. Second will receive a $500 gift certificate to Richard’s Music, while third place will receive a $250 Richard’s Music gift certificate.
There will also plaques presented for best vocalists, guitarist, bassist, drummer and specialty instrument.
Bands can register for the 2025 Battle of the Bands by clicking here.
Battle of the Bands is sponsored by Freeport-McMoRan; Sparklight; Richard’s Music; Macks Napa Auto Supply; Kempton Chevrolet; Sparks Homestore; Gila Electric; Audio Visions; Bud Light; Joe’s Ride-N-Dine; Pepsi; Trophies N’ Tees; Thriftee Food and Drug; Valley Vision digital billboards; and the Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and KATO 1230 AM.
