NEPA Philharmonic’s Contest Opens Doors for Local Artists

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic brought the local music scene to life with its Battle of the Bands event, drawing more than 400 attendees for an evening that celebrated the region’s outstanding original artists.

Hosted in partnership with Mohegan PA, and presented by ROCK107, the event featured electrifying performances by Rogue Chimp; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & the Karma; So Much Hope, Buried.; Jay Orrell Band; The Sorters; One Revived; and Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band. 

Each set delivered a distinctive sound and style, representative of the diversity and talent within the local music scene. Additional support from Guitar Center lent itself to state-of-the-art equipment utilized by each of the bands, who were able to perform their eight-minute sets and switch with each other in just a few minutes.

Popko, of the Popko Project on ROCK107, was the emcee for the event, conducting interviews between sets as the bands each noted how thrilled they were to be a part of such a unique local event, giving them an opportunity that is one of the first of its kind to be presented by a professional symphony orchestra.

The panel of judges included NEPA Philharmonic Music Director Mélisse Brunet, NEPA Philharmonic Executive Director Chason Goldschmitz, NEPA Philharmonic Concertmaster Ruotao Mao, Mohegan PA’s Director of Events Jennifer Ducharme, ROCK107’s on air host Kait, PA State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and Marywood University’s Director of Choral Activities Rick Hoffenberg.

Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band earned the $1,000 Audience Choice Award and went on to claim the Grand Prize of $5,000. So Much Hope, Buried. received the Second Prize Award of $1,000. 

As part of the Grand Prize, Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band will perform with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic orchestra on a future date in their 2026-2027 season, which is to be announced.

The NEPA Philharmonic’s Battle of the Bands reflects the organization’s drive to engage with local talent and vitalize the community with music performances that are unique and accessible to all audiences.

For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.