NEPA PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS FIRST-EVER “BATTLE OF THE BANDS” AT MOHEGAN PA CASINO

 

WILKES-BARRE, PA — The NEPA Philharmonic is excited to present its inaugural Battle of the Bands, presented by ROCK107, on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino’s Keystone Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. This groundbreaking, dynamic, live-judged music competition showcases eight talented local bands across a wide range of styles, from jazz fusion to country and heavy metal to pop rock, with cash prizes and a chance for one band to perform with the Philharmonic. Tickets, $29 general admission, are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the NEPA Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.

Over 40 talented bands from across Northeastern Pennsylvania applied to compete, with eight finalists selected to take the stage: So Much Hope, Buried.; Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & The Karma; The Sorters; Rogue Chimp; One Revived; and the Jay Orrell Band. These bands will compete in the live-judged event for their chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize and perform with the NEPA Philharmonic in their 2026-2027 season. A $1,000 runner up prize and a $1,000 audience choice prize will also be awarded, giving audience members an opportunity to cheer on and vote for their favorite band.

John Popko, host at Rock107 and Fuzz 96.1, will be the emcee for the event. The event will be judged by a panel comprised of the following individuals:

"NEPA has been blessed with incredible musicians for decades," says Pennsylvania State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (121st District), a judge for the event. "I congratulate our NEPA Philharmonic organization for creating this momentous opportunity for our very talented NEPA musicians. The financial prizes for this competition are truly substantial for the winners. But the once in a lifetime performance opportunity with our NEPA Philharmonic orchestra is priceless. I can't wait to hear all the bands, and then to hear the winning band perform with our incredible NEPA Philharmonic orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!"

“Local music is what keeps communities strong,” added Kait, event judge and ROCK107 host. “Local bands are the heartbeat of a town. I’m looking forward to putting my finger on the pulse of it all.”

John Popko, emcee and ROCK107 host, says: “I’m honored to serve as emcee for this event and help spotlight the incredible talent that NEPA has to offer. I’ve always believed our local music scene stands toe-to-toe with any in the country. I’m very familiar with the artists competing in this Battle of the Bands, having featured nearly all of them on my local radio show, The Popko Project Radio Experience, which airs Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. on Fuzz 96.1 (a sister station of Rock 107). It’s truly a pleasure to share their music on the air, and I hope everyone in attendance leaves with a renewed appreciation for the musicians in our region. This is going to be fun!"  

Jennifer Ducharme, Battle of the Bands judge and Mohegan PA Director of Events, says: “Mohegan Pennsylvania is thrilled to be part of this incredible celebration of music and artistry. Supporting the arts is an essential part of our commitment to the community, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening.”

The NEPA Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, the POPS series is presented by Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, and Battle of the Bands is presented by ROCK107. Additional in-kind support is provided by Guitar Center through the use of their premium equipment.

For more information about the Battle of the Bands or to purchase tickets, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Box Office at (570) 270-4444.