The 2025 MSU/Downtown Morehead Entertainment Initiative’s Battle of the Bands festival on Saturday, April 19th, 2025, from 12pm-9pm, features some of the best college jazz ensembles from around the tri-state area. The 2025 event will also have an alternate inside venue (inside our University Union, ADUC) in the event of inclement weather.

Even though the name is “Battle of the Bands”, it is in no way a competition. It is an opportunity for area ensembles to showcase their hard work, hear other regional ensembles play, and for the community to hear world class jazz. It tends to be a fun hang for all involved.

Last year’s event featured the MSU Jazz Ensemble, MSU Guitar Ensemble, Marshall University Jazz Ensemble, UK Jazz Ensemble, UK Megasax Ensemble, NKU Jazz Combo, EKU Jazz Ensemble, and the Campbell County HS Jazz Ensemble. This year will include those and more.

The event starts at noon and goes until approximately 9pm.