2010 Honda Battle of the Bands

ATLANTA, GA - Set against a colorful backdrop of dynamic performances by eight of the nation’s top Historically Black College and University [HBCU] marching bands, a reverent marching band tribute to the late music icon Michael Jackson, and all the hype of a live performance from hip-hop artist, Ludacris, the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase had a crowd of more than 55,000 “shaking their bodies down to the ground.”

In the end, the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands concluded with the message of unity for humanity, evident in much of the “King of Pop’s” music and in several marching band dedications to the Haitian relief effort. The 1,800 student musicians and 55,000plus fans were inspired to reflect on the role they play in making the world a better place. HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni traveled from all over the United States to enjoy the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands, the lineup of which included:

Albany State University “Marching Rams” (Albany, Georgia)
Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” (Atlanta, Georgia)
Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (Tallahassee, Florida)
North Carolina Central University “Marching Sound Machine” (Durham, North Carolina)
Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm” (Prairie View, Texas)
Southern University “Human Jukebox Marching Band” (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Tuskegee University “Marching Crimson Pipers” (Tuskegee, Alabama)
Virginia State University “Trojan Explosion Marching Band” (Petersburg, Virginia)

The multi-faceted show was a virtual musical menagerie, blending the latest chart-topping R&B and Hip-Hop, pop, rock, funk and more. And, as a special treat, Atlanta-native and award-winning Hip-Hop artist and actor Ludacris was a featured special guest, performing his latest single “How Low”, from his highly-anticipated new album, Battle of the Sexes, before his hometown crowd.

We now take you to the Georgia Dome, Atlanta for yestersday's big show. Enjoy!