Battle of the Bands
Event Details
When: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Where: Pollack Tempe Cinema
We’re thrilled to announce that Higher Octave Healing’s 4th annual Battle of the Bands will take place on Wednesday, May 27th at Pollack Tempe Cinema. This annual celebration and fundraising campaign highlights the talents of the 12 Music Therapy Rock Bands, each of which is now hard at work creating an original song and music video to premier at the event. The competition will look a little different this year. Instead of competing for your dollars, the bands will compete for your vote on their videos. We’ll feature a variety of audience-voted awards to make sure we have the chance to recognize all the talent, creativity, personality, and spirit you’ll find in the HOH Rock Bands. Don’t miss out! Tickets will go on sale on May 1st.
You can become a Battle of the Bands Sponsor today and receive advertising opportunities at the show while supporting music therapy services for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. Check out sponsorship options below or contact us for more information.
We can’t wait to rock with you this May!
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Get tickets for the upcoming Battle of the Bands!
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Our 2026 Rock Bands
Learn more about our Rock Bands competing this year!
The Billie Jeans
The Billie Jeans love to play Disney, pop, and rock music as a band. Joel’s favorite instrument is bass and Blue Suede Shoes and Ring of Fire are some of his favorite songs. In his free time, he likes to watch shows — specifically Looney Toons. Bugs Bunny is his favorite! Nathan likes to watch Modern Family on TV and cook fettuccini. Nathan’s favorite Rock Band instrument is keyboard. Zain loves play and watch basketball on TV. He loves to sing in Rock Band. Zeeshan likes to watch basketball and football on TV. He likes to shop at Macy’s. His favorite instrument to play in Rock Band is piano.
The Brutes
The Brutes are five dudes hanging out and making music. Outside of rock band, Jason enjoys air soft and dueling. His favorite instruments to play are guitar and bass. Kent loves to play the drums or keyboard, hang out with friends and family, and eat at Italian restaurants. Brandon enjoys singing and playing violin in rock band. In his free time, he likes to watch Spongebob, Jurassic Park, and Zootopia. He also does a great SpongeBob impression. Nick likes basketball. Nick is a big Texas guy and likes Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Cooper Allen, and Lainey Wilson. In Rock Band and at home, Nick likes playing the drums. Kelton likes to play strategy video games, watch a variety of YouTube videos, make music in FL studio., and watching scary movies He loves hanging out with the group and playing piano in Rock Band.
The Cosmos
The Cosmos are a band that is out of this world that’s influenced by a wide range of musical styles. The Cosmos love to play live and on stage to show off their talents to the world and beyond. Dallas likes going to concerts, his favorite concert that he’s been to is Green Day. He likes to play video games in his free time and his favorite thing to look at is the stars. Dallas also likes to play guitar. Pablo likes to go on vacations, go on road trips, and learn about Apple products in his free time. Pablo likes to sing and play bass in Rock Band. Pablo recently started working in an office space. Yahya is an author with 5 books published. He likes to watch movies and listen to the Beatles. In Rock Band, Yahya likes to play bass and keyboard. Lexi likes to find recipes on Pinterest and in Disney’s Dreamlight Valley. She likes doing diamond art and playing video games in her free time. Her favorite game right now is Horizon Forbidden West, DLC: Burning Shores. Her favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean: Black Pearl. In Rock Band Lexi likes to sing and play the keyboard. Lexi recommends watching the Magical School Bus episode on Outer Space. Kai has an outgoing personality, adventurous spirit, and likes to play piano and sing. He likes acting, recently acting in The Wizard of Oz in One Step Beyond Theater Works playing Professor Marvel. Kai likes to do random acts of kindness and is the man who can do anything.
Dark Legacy
Dark Legacy are great, fun, happy and strong, but when it comes to music they are VERY serious! Naomi likes Descendants movies like Rise of Red, likes to listen to loud music, and likes to go to Mexican restaurants. Her favorite instrument in Rock Band is piano. Some of Angel’s favorite things include baking, making posters, and hanging out with his girlfriend on his heart. His favorite instrument to play in Rock Band is drums, but he will also play any instrument. Jacob likes to play video games on his Nintendo Wii, play tennis and go on road trips. He likes to play guitar and drums in Rock Band. Kelley likes to take pictures, likes playing with her dogs, and likes to play football in her league. Her favorite instrument to play in Rock Band is guitar.
Dizzzney
This band is a high energy, eclectic, good time! Ashley loves her family. In Rock Band she loves to sing, play guitar, and dance. Colie likes dancing and teaching yoga at Gigi’s Playhouse. In Rock Band, her favorite things to do are play guitar and sing. Josh usually stays home, watches movies like the newest Lion King, and plays ukulele. Josh likes playing drums and singing in Rock Band. Carlie likes traveling to Vegas, hanging out with friends, and eating dinner out with her boyfriend at Red Robin. In Rock Band, she likes singing. Brian enjoys staying home playing video games like Mario and Luigi, and baking chocolate cake. In Rock Band, he loves playing drums and singing with Josh.
The Golden Strings
The Golden Strings are a rock ‘n roll band who loves to hang out with each other. Jose likes to play Call of Duty. He also goes to the movie theater to eat popcorn and to see his favorite movies. In Rock Band, Jose likes to play piano. In Rock Band, Shivani likes to sing, play guitar, and play the drums. Julian likes to bake macarons and cook spaghetti and meatballs. In Rock Band, Julian likes to sing and play guitar. Nicki enjoys watching Disney movies, especially The Lion King. Nicki likes to play guitar and drums in Rock Band.
I Want It That Way
I Want it That way is awesome and wonderful band and loves to spend time together. Zach enjoys hanging out with his homies doing carpool karaoke. Singing is his favorite in Rock Band. Ethan can be found just chillin’ and going inside in his free time. Battle of the Bands, singing, and playing the drum pad are his favorite parts of Rock Band. Kyle likes when it’s windy so he can fly kites. He also likes to go jet skiing. Kyle likes to play keyboard in Rock Band. Outside of Rock Band, Maison likes to play basketball outside. In Rock Band, he likes to play guitar. Fletcher likes to hang out with family at home and have a girlfriend. He likes singing in Rock Band.
Sparkling Music
Sparkling Music is a fun, outgoing, and motivational group who love to play a variety of songs from Disney to Oldies, Punk to Pop, and Country to Rock. Katie loves doing pageants, practicing archery, and hanging out with her cat and dog. She likes to play piano in Rock Band and her favorite song to play is Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and she enjoys singing “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence. Carol likes going to the movies, working at Harkins, and spending time with her niece. She prefers to play guitar in Rock Band. Her favorite song to play is “Roar” by Katy Perry and her favorite song to sing is “Born this Way” by Lady Gaga. Jasmine likes to play video games and watch scary movies. Her favorite instrument to play in and outside of Rock Band is guitar. Her favorite song to play is “Parachute” by Hayley Williams on guitar, and “TNT” by AC/DC on drums. Matt likes going to his day program and playing basketball, football, and kickball. In Rock Band he likes to play bass and sing. His favorite song to play on bass is “Grandma Got Run Over By” a Reindeer and his favorite song to sing is “Home” by Daughtry.
Star Power
Star Power is an awesome, cool rockin’ band who loves to play pop music. Danielle likes helping in the nursery at church, babysitting, spending time with family, and writing songs. Danielle’s favorite Rock Band instrument is singing. Jimmy likes to listen to music, make song lists, and hang out with his sister. His favorite Rock Band instrument is drums.
The Thrilling Geniuses
The Thrilling Geniuses are a smart, talented group that enjoy playing rock music, hip hop, contemporary folk, alternative rock, pop. They love watching movies and shows on various streaming platforms. Trevor likes to hang out at home and spend time with his brother. His favorite movies are Avengers: Endgame and Star Wars Episode VII: Rise of Skywalker, and his favorite video games include Fortnite, Star Wars, and Avengers games. His favorite thing to do in Rock Band is play guitar. Kevin works at Culvers, he plays Mario on his Nintendo Switch and Wii U. He loves watching sports and the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. His favorite thing to do in Rock Band is to play guitar and his favorite song from this season was “Stargazing” by Myles Smith. Chris likes to hang out at home and go on walks. His favorite foods are pepperoni pizza and cheeseburgers. His favorite thing to do in Rock Band is play the piano and his favorite song from this season was “Bad” by Michael Jackson. You can find Cirdan playing video games such as LEGO Star Wars the Skywalker Saga, and watching Total Drama Island. In Rock Band, he likes to play drums and his favorite song from this season was “The Boys Are Back” by Dropkick Murphys.
Warriors of Wisdom
The Warriors of Wisdom are a rockin’ band that loves to bring the best of the 80s and hip-hop to the stage. Ryan likes playing video games like Hollow Knight and watching paranormal activity YouTube videos. He likes to play keyboards, drums, and drum pads in Rock Band. In his free time, Troy likes doing karaoke, celebrating birthdays, cooking and eating at home, and spending time with his fiancé planning a honeymoon. In Rock Band, Troy likes to sing, rap, and play drums. Julio likes World War II history and travelling to visit his family in Bolivia. He plays keyboard and drums in Rock Band. Staggers likes playing basketball and skateboarding. He also likes playing chess and video games like Super Mario Bros, Tony Hawk, and GTA San Andreas and listening to 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s hip hop. In Rock Band he likes to rap, play drums, and play beat machine. Stephen likes history, country music, and reading. He also takes piano and voice lessons. He enjoys playing guitar and singing in Rock Band.
The Wreckless Geniuses
The Wreckless Geniuses are a rockin’ band that likes to play rock, pop, 80’s rock, and Disney tunes! Tommy likes to go to the gym, attend speech therapy, and watch funny YouTube videos. His favorite Rock Band instrument is piano and drums, but he likes to play all instruments and sing. Sarah likes karaoke and dance. Her favorite Rock Band instruments are drums, vocals and tambourine. Ezequiel likes basketball and listening to music like Green Day. His favorite Rock Band instrument is the guitar. DeAndro likes to Watch the Phoenix Suns on TV, he watches Marvel movies and shows. His favorite song is Bohemian Rhapsody. DeAndro’s favorite thing to do in Rock Band is to play the guitar. Curtis likes to spend time on his computer and watch lots of movies (his favorite is Mary Poppins) with his dad. His band is Bad Company. His favorite thing to do in Rock Band is to play piano.
Meet Our Emcee
Cassie Lindsey
Cassie Lindsey is a Phoenix native who has built her career around dance, performance, and community connection. As the coach of the Phoenix Suns Dancers, she brings leadership, creativity, and a deep passion for the art form to one of the NBA’s most dynamic dance teams.
Over the past decade, Cassie has been actively involved in community appearances and charity events, using her platform to give back and inspire others. In addition to her work on the sidelines, she serves as an ESPN commentator and interviewer for UDA national events, where she highlights top talent and shares her expertise with a national audience.
With a strong foundation in dance and a commitment to uplifting others, Cassie continues to make an impact both on and off the court.