SAFFORD — Musicians will get a chance to take home $3,000 this summer.
Registration has opened for the 23rd annual Battle of the Bands, taking place in the Ag Building at Graham County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 11.
The bands will perform on the United Way Stage in the cemented east room of the Ag Building, with the west 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 first-place band this year will receive a Trophies N’ Tees plaque and $3,000, 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 2026 Battle of the Bands by clicking here.
Battle of the Bands is sponsored by Freeport-McMoRan; Sparklight; Richard’s Music; Kempton Chevrolet; Bud Light; Trophies N’ Tees; Valley Vision; and the Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and KATO 1230 AM.
