Local UA Student Wins 'Battle of the Bands'

Student-led classic rock cover band Midnight Steel was named the Best Band in Tuscaloosa 2022 after winning the first-ever Battle of the Bands. Along with the title, the band won a $2,000 cash prize.

Created by the Student Government Association, the fundraiser garnered nearly $7,500 for the Joe Espy Needs Based Scholarship that helps UA students alleviate financial hardships. Organizers couldn't be more grateful for its success.

Midnight Steel, whose members include Chris Campisi (singer), Brett Holmes (drummer), Aaron Michaels (lead guitarist), Trevor O'Connor (rhythm guitarist) and Matthew Stumpf (bass guitarist), formed in September 2021 and performed their first gig just two weeks later. They've played manyl local venues and in Birmingham and were thrilled to get as far as they did in the fundraiser.

The Battle of the Bands competition began with bands applying in July. Round 1 voting took place in September through the SGA's Instagram reels. Those winners moved on to Round 2, which was a live show at Druid City Social on Sept. 29. Those four winners performed on Oct. 20 for the final round.

To view these students click here: https://ua.meritpages.com/achievements/Local-UA-Student-Wins-Battle-of-the-Bands-/155518