Yankee Homecoming Battle of the Bands 2025

Support Local Musicians

Yankee Homecoming Battle of the Bands

2025 High School Battle of the Bands

High School Battle of the Bands is an exciting annual Yankee Homecoming event that provides strong opportunity for increased exposure and recognition for aspiring young local musicians. Each year local high school students from Newburyport and surrounding towns help kick off Yankee Homecoming week as they compete in the annual Battle of the Bands competition. The 2025 concert competition will take place on Saturday, July 26th starting at 6 pm. Bands perform on the Waterfront Park stage competing for cash prizes and a variety of high visibility and paid performance opportunities including the chance to be the opening act, during one evening of the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert Series.

Battle of the Bands has grown over the years both in terms of band participation as well as fan following and concert attendance. Thank you to Ben Eramo for his outstanding job as the Yankee Homecoming Chair for Battle of the Bands. Ben is also a highly respected musician from “Scenes – A Billy Joel Experience.”

Come cheer for and support these up-and-coming local bands as they compete for the High School Battle of the Bands title.

Yankee Homecoming is fortunate to have VIP Judges: Rob Macy, Liz Mish, and Gina McKeown bringing tremendous experience and leadership to our up-and-coming musicians. View more information about the 2025 Yankee Homecoming Battle of the Bands Judges.

If you’re interested in participating, applications must be received by midnight on July 19th. View the 2025 registration form for complete Yankee Homecoming Committee rules and regulations. View the 2025 Battle of the Bands prize details below.

As part of the Battle of the Bands competition rules, one band is accepted on a first-come first-served basis from bands whose members attend school or live in the following cities/towns: Amesbury, Groveland, Merrimack, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and West Newbury. Bands and solo acts from outside of the local community are eligible to apply after June 27th, up to a maximum of 10 bands/solo acts.

2025 BATTLE OF THE BANDS PRIZES:

First Prize Bands:
Featured opening act at a Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert
$100 Cash
Paid performance – Yankee Homecoming Parade, Sunday August 3rd

Second Prize Bands:
$100 Cash
Paid performance – Market Square Stage, Saturday August 2nd

Third Prize Bands:
$100 Cash

First Prize Acoustic Solo/Duet:
$100 Cash
Paid performance – Market Square Stage, Saturday August 2nd

Second Prize Acoustic Solo/Duet:
$100 Cash

2023 Battle of the Bands Highlights

Battle of the Bands 2023 showcased 10 bands all with exceptional talent and supportive fans, family and friends who braved a severe wind and rain storm. It was an amazing evening despite the weather!

2023 Band Winners:
1st: Catching Arrows @catchingarrowsband
2nd: Hyperdrive @hyperdrive_newburyport
3rd: Stagecraft @letsplaymusicnh

2023 Solo/Duet Acoustic Winners:
1st: Eloise Kirkpatrick @eloisekirkpatrick
2nd: Trisha & Thara @trishaandthara

1st Place Band – Catching Arrows @catchingarrowsband