What is BATTLE?

It’s the spring semester here at Penn State, and you know what that means? Movin’ On events are in full swing! From acoustic roadshows, to spotlight series, to lineup release, to the actual festival our team does it all in these couple months. But, one of our biggest events this semester is BATTLE. 

BATTLE was started by Movin’ On as a way to incorporate the local, musical talents that Penn State students have into our official show at the end of the semester. This year BATTLE will be held in the Schwab Auditorium on March 31st and student bands, solo or duo acts can apply to perform through this form until January 31st. 

From this form our talented crew will pick anywhere from 7-10 acts to perform for a panel of judges during the event. After all the performances conclude, the judges will pick one act to open for Movin’ On 2026 which is taking place May 1st.

In the past BATTLE has welcomed a number of different acts to the stage from alternative bands, rap solos, and indie duos. BATTLE originally began as “Battle of the Bands,” but the Movin’ On team realized that you didn’t just need to be a band to display your musical talent for a shot at the big stage. So, there was a revamp to just “BATTLE” making it known that any act was welcome!

Fez , a group of three guys who took the stage decked out in Fez caps and matching red robes, won BATTLE 2025 with a “suba rock” sound and electric stage presence. Xavier, Jimmy and Max said “scuba rock” was meant to be a mix between a number of sounds, therefore the group wasn’t limited to performing one type of music. 

In 2024, Hot Fudge Yacht Club, was the crowd and judges favorite for BATTLE winning them the opening slot for Movin’ On that year. Alex, Chase and Max found a mutual love for jambands and funk music durin

g their time as a Grateful Dead cover band, this sound is what got them the win. 

But, why should you attend BATTLE? Why should you perform in BATTLE? 

Besides the obvious answer being that it’s a night of fun and music, BATTLE is genuinely a night for the community. Musicians are all around Penn State; they perform at house parties, paid gigs or in their own homes. But, BATTLE is a time to bring all of that talent that’s right under our noses into the spotlight. It’s a time for, not only Movin’ On, to recognize the musical community around them but for students, community members, faculty and staff to as well. 

BATTLE is also a time for friends to come together and watch a great show, meet almost all of Movin’ On’s team and to really connect with the organization and bands. 

If you love playing an instrument, singing or jamming with your band, BATTLE is the perfect place to showcase your talents. And if you’re an avid music listener who enjoys going out and finding new sounds, BATTLE is the perfect night for you. 

So please, apply now to perform, you never know what might happen. Or, put BATTLE in your calendar to ensure you’re free to attend a night of fun and music in Schwab Auditorium on March 31st! 

As always, don’t forget to attend the one and only Movin’ On main show on May 1st at the IM fields – you may see some familiar faces opening the show!