Get ready for an electrifying night of live music at the first-ever Battle of the Bands, happening April 24 at 7:00 PM at the Smithgall Arts Center. This exciting event marks a new annual fundraiser for The Arts Council—bringing the community together to celebrate and support the arts in Northeast Georgia.

Talented bands will take the stage competing for a $1,000 grand prize and the chance to perform at the venue with 50% of ticket sales from their own future show.

The stakes are high—but the People’s Choice Award is up to you. Your donation gives you the power to vote for your favorite band, cheer them on, and help decide who takes home a cash prize and the opportunity to open at the Smithgall Arts Center.

Andre Bernard & Groove Therapy
The Echolocations
Past Our Prime
The Deep End
The Third Man

Purchase a ticket to experience an unforgettable night of music while supporting The Arts Council’s mission to promote and grow the arts year-round across Northeast Georgia.

Take it a step further by sponsoring a table—perfect for enjoying the evening with friends, colleagues, or clients while making an even greater impact. Table sponsors receive seating for eight, along with one drink and food ticket per guest, plus event visibility, all while directly supporting local artists and arts programming in our community.

May the best band win!

To vote for your favorite band at Battle of the Bands – and to support The Arts Council – do the following. Visit: The Arts Council.

• Share the love – click on the white on black Donate button to make a general gift of any size to support The Arts Council.

• Love your band – scroll down to Support Your Favorite Band. There you can Find your Favorite Band (click on it).

Then, click on your favorite band. When their profile pops up, click on the Donate button. Select your level of support and remember that your donation counts as your vote in the People’s Choice Award. Every gift helps decide who takes home a cash prize and the chance to open a future show at Smithgall.

If you check the Remember my contact information box, you won’t have to reenter the info when you VOTE (donate) again.

Finally, click on Donate Now!

Don’t forget to SHARE on your favorite social media outlet, and thank you!

With a vocal so expressive it builds into jaw-dropping eruptions of power and emotion, 22-year-old artist Preston Cooper represents the start of a new generation in Country Rock. The biggest voice to ever hail from the tiny town of Fredericktown, Ohio, Preston’s soulful and blues inspired vocal is a potent force of nature, drawing comparisons to icons like Chris Stapleton and Bob Seger. First picking up guitar as a high school freshman, he joined the US Postal Service after graduation and found local fame as “The Singing Mailman” – walking up to 14 miles each day while belting out raw, raspy vocal runs, then clocking out to perform across the region. Hundreds of shows later, hit-making legends Brad and Brett Warren (Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban) discovered Preston at a Toledo songwriter’s round, and quickly recognized his once-in-a-lifetime talent. With his debut album, Toledo Talkin’, released August 29, the first chapter of this generational talent’s story unfolds. With 12 incendiary tracks – all but three co-written by the no-frills newcomer – Toledo Talkin’ was recorded with an old-school, full-band process, lashed together with sheer vocal intensity miles different from the Music Row norm. The album wields a mix of raw, organic Country and edgy Alt Rock, as evidenced on his show-stopping debut track “Weak,” emotive “One More Place I’ve Never Been,” shot of nostalgia “Numbers On A Mailbox,” highway rocker “One For The Road,” and personal reflection “The Takedown.” Preston recently wrapped his run as direct support for Kameron Marlowe’s Keepin’ The Lights On Tour and select dates of Riley Green’s Damn Country Music Tour. Preston made his Grand Ole Opry Debut on October 24th and was introduced by Vince Gill. Preston will keep busy in 2026 as he tours fairs, festivals, and a run of headlining shows.  For more information, visit www.prestoncoopermusic.com.   

Gates open at 6:30pm. Bring a bag chair or reserve a table. RAIN OR SHINE – NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS! Preorder a meal when purchasing tickets from our featured caterer Epting Events – limited number of meals will be available at the concert. 

For Big Loud Texas traditionalist Jake Worthington, country music is in his DNA. The La Porte, Texas native was raised on his grandfather’s porch performances of Ray Price, Merle Haggard and George Jones, and soon picked up his own Gibson acoustic to realize the breadth of his soon-to-be-classic, wide and wild voice. Now, Worthington breathes fresh life into dance halls, beer joints and ballrooms from Texas to Tennessee with his growing catalog – his sophomore album When I Write The Song is out now with Miranda Lambert collaboration “Hello Shitty Day,” “I’m The One (feat. Marty Stuart),” viral “it Ain’t The Whiskey” and more. Captivating the masses with his honky-tonk stylings, the singer-songwriter hits the road this year on his headlining Intent To Tonk Tour, as well as opening dates with Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, HARDY, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and lan Munsick. “I believe in country music as much as I believe in my next breath,” Worthington declares, and “blame it on my raising, but I think there ought to be room for country in country music.” 

Gates open at 6:00pm. Bring a bag chair or reserve a table. RAIN OR SHINE – NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS! Preorder a meal when purchasing tickets from our featured caterer Epting Events– limited number of meals will be available at the concert. 

$1 from every ticket sold goes to Backline Care. Backline Care is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.

Eggy is redefining the modern jam band experience with a blend of rich songwriting, exploratory improvisation, and magnetic live energy. The Connecticut-based quartet—Jake Brownstein (guitar, vocals), Dani Battat (keys, vocals), Mike Goodman (bass, vocals), and Alex Bailey (drums, vocals)—has built a reputation for emotionally resonant songs and live performances that turn every set into an unpredictable, communal experience. 

Gates open at 6:00pm. Bring a bag chair or reserve a table. RAIN OR SHINE – NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS! Preorder a meal when purchasing tickets from our featured caterer Epting Events– limited number of meals will be available at the concert. 

Back in Time, formed in 2009, is one of North Georgia’s premiere Horn/Show Bands. A tremendous lead singer, backed up but a five piece rhythm section and four outstanding horns, performs hits of the 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s. Featured hits include, beach, r&b, blues, motown, and classic ballads – something for everyone. Arrangements based on the original recordings highlight this outstanding band.

Gates open at 7:00pm. Bring a bag chair or reserve a table. RAIN OR SHINE – NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS! Preorder a meal when purchasing tickets from our featured caterer Epting Events – limited number of meals will be available at the concert. 

Armed with a new album and an unflinching spirit, The Brook & The Bluff are ready to hit the road again. The band boasts a history of sold-out headline tours across the continent, a number of major festival performances, and have supported artists like Noah Kahan, Mt. Joy, The Avett Brothers, Ashe, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.  

Gates open at 6:30pm. Bring a bag chair or reserve a table. RAIN OR SHINE – NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS! Preorder a meal when purchasing tickets from our featured caterer Epting Events– limited number of meals will be available at the concert.