06/08/2026
We've all (hopefully) had a day to recuperate, and now it's time to share some BIG thanks for our helpers, sponsors, attendees, and bands!
FIRST UP - This event would not be possible without our crew. Stage hands, production, set-up and tear-down logistics, merch sales, administrative support... the list goes on. Mad props to some local musicians and bands that helped out behind the scenes this year! Thank you to the following faces you saw at this year’s event:
Tyler Bills for bringing the energy as our host and emcee all day!
Mike Grosek of Ponderosa Sound Co , our Production Manager, making sure every band sounds top of their game! It’s not easy mixing a new band every 30 minutes for five hours (including 10 hyper-speed sound checks!), 4 years in a row since our start back in 2023!
Rick Grosek, our Stage Manager, for handling all of the band outreach leading up to the event – his dialed-in communication is ESSENTIAL for making sure bands arrive ready to perform each year!
Flannel - 90s music for providing a killer PA system! You guys really helped us out this year!
Goodfire (our first ever battle champs back in 2023!) for showing up with three exceptional stage hands – Andy McGuire, Oakley Rathbun, and Derek DeYong!
The Rathco for bringing Bijou and Amelie Wilcox as expert judges, and Weston Rathbun as a stage hand mixing monitors all day!
Terrence Long with Bittersweet, Will Given with our 2025 champs Stil Runnin, and the amazing Mary Panerio of top sponsor Sturgis Buffalo Chip for also dedicating your day to the judges’ booth!
Joe Adam – dubbed our “Logistics Manager” for handling all of the logistical loose ends – trailers, banners, zip ties and gorilla tape – you name it, he can fix it!
Colton Miller - excellent stage hand and multi-year team member!
Brian Cox - for helping on stage all day and bringing years of musical expertise to the team!
Candy Wahl-Bieber for donating her time to our merch tent year after year!
Michelle Grosek, Tammie Mckenzie, Mike Gleason - awesome errand runners and helped make sure the crew was fed and hydrated!
Kadence Gleason - Assistant Director of the Chamber and Battle of the Bands! You know her by her countless emails and phone calls making sure the various event components are on track. She wrangles vendors, hauls street barriers, takes photos, and more!
Veronica Grosek “The Boss” – Veronica is the Executive Director of the Sturgis Chamber and the Battle of the Bands event. All logistics, bands, marketing, team management, financials, and event improvements go through Veronica!
