The Music & Entertainment Organization (MEO) hosted its annual Battle of the Bands on Monday, March 23, in the University Center Ballroom, marking the event’s third year and drawing student performers from a variety of musical backgrounds. The winning act received a $200 grand prize.
This year’s lineup featured three bands: Baddies, Downward Uprising and BLÜECRÜE, each bringing a distinct sound ranging from pop rock and hardcore to alternative jazz. The event faced a late adjustment after the band Twiggy withdrew, forcing organizers to find a replacement on short notice.
Despite the setback, event organizers said the campus music community made it possible to quickly regroup.
“We asked around, and we were like, ‘Who do we know?’” said MEO President Isabella Dipisa. “The music department here is really wonderful in the sense that it’s not really competitive like other schools.”
Vice President Mikayla Reimer added that the collaborative environment helped ensure the show went on as planned.
“That’s really helpful in situations like this because you can throw a group of people together and they’ll blend really well, and that’s what happened today,” Reimer said.
Baddies, performing together for the first time, delivered a full set without issue, showcasing strong chemistry despite limited preparation time.
Downward Uprising earned a close second-place finish, performing a mix of covers and original material, including their single “P.N.C.,” and offering a sound distinct from the other competitors.
BLÜECRÜE provided a contrasting performance, featuring a lineup that included guitar, bass, drums and two saxophonists. Fresh off a spring break tour, the group performed a set of original songs, closing with a love song sung entirely in Spanish.
The event was supported by the Student Events Association, which provided equipment, along with volunteers and students who assisted with setup and sound production.
MEO will host its next event on April 30, featuring an industry panel with professionals followed by a networking session.
