Children and young adults compete for big prizes in this Pinellas band battle

Some of these fledgling musicians may not be old enough to drive yet, but all of them are ready to rock.

On Thursday, March 13th, 14 young bands will take over Roc Park in Madeira Beach to host the band battles at the Spring Break Waterfront Festival.

The competition is drawn from Pinellas, Hillsboro and Pasco counties to showcase young talent from elementary school to 25 years old.

The event launches the 4-Day Spring Breakwaterfront Festival in Madeira Beach. Battle of the Band director Toni DePas is hoping that between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators will stop by on the day of the concert.

The genres include alternatives, rock and pop, with about half of the kids this year playing metal, DePass said. Each band plays for 24 minutes, with at least half the set dedicated to the original song.

Bands compete with others in similar age groups. A ju-degree judge of local musicians and people in the music industry will determine each group about their skills and stage presence.

DePass is particularly excited by the awards aimed at encouraging groups to continue playing. In 2024, the winners recorded the free studio time. For this year’s glove: Create band logos from local photographer Ivan Washington, free photo shoots with musical equipment, graphic design consulting.

“I tried to provide a platform to showcase what they do and what they love, give them a place to network and provide a safe and fun environment to perform for their peers,” DePass said. “Many of them didn’t have the opportunity before they performed with professional equipment and this huge crowd.”

When I go to the band’s spring break battle

The Gulf Beach Rotary Club and the City of Madeira Beach will host the Battle of the Spring Break Waterfront Festival on Thursday, March 13th from 3 to 9pm.

Carnival vehicles and games cost money, but the event itself is free. For more information, please visit springbreakbotb.com.