Clark County Battle of the Bands: Where Teen Musicians Take the Stage 

A one-of-a-kind event in Vancouver, the Clark County Battle of the Bands offers something special for everyone, from music lovers to community supporters alike.  

What began as a conversation has now flourished into a county-wide event. Founded by community members Owen Kortz, music educator at Music World, and Ryan Messling, band director at Prairie High School, Clark County Battle of the Bands offers local teens an opportunity to step onto the stage and express themselves through music. Competing for meaningful prizes, these young musicians don’t just get to refine their craft; they also gain exposure to Clark County’s local music scene and take a big step toward performing with confidence in front of a crowd.  

“Ryan and I both were in bands when we were in high school and continue to perform, so those early experiences were pivotal for us in choosing music as a career. We wanted to create something for young artists to express themselves and have that kind of experience, too,” says Kortz, reflecting on the inspiration behind the event. 

Community members are invited to join in on the fun and support local teen musicians competing on June 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Columbia Tech Center Park. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is upbeat and community centered. Bring your friends and family and plan to spend the evening discovering new local talent. If you’d like a comfortable spot to settle in, bring a lawn chair or a blanket and make a night of it.  

The Vision 

Most of us are familiar with the unique joy that comes from doing something you love. Pursuing your passions is vital to cultivating joy, and this event highlights that for local teen participants.  

At the heart of this event, Kortz and Messling hope to facilitate the joy of artistic expression of the youth participating. “These kids are self-starters, and most of them form these bands on their own, which strengthens their friendships and sense of belonging. Sometimes they’re in jazz band or choir at school, but some of them aren’t enrolled in those classes because they play rock guitar, write songs or rap,” says Kortz. “This event gives those students something to work towards and be involved in. It also develops a professional skillset and network, giving students resources if they are considering careers in the music industry.” 

That professional skillset is a big part of what makes the Clark County Battle of the Bands so impactful. These musicians gain the experience of preparing for a live event. They learn how to plan rehearsals, coordinate roles within the band, finalize a setlist and more. 

Just as importantly, this event makes space for teens who might not see themselves reflected in more traditional school music pathways. Clark County Battle of the Bands helps validate those interests and gives them a place to grow. It also helps musicians learn what it means to show up for one another, to practice even when it gets difficult and what it looks like to build something meaningful as a team.  

The vision for Clark County Battle of the Bands stretches far beyond the competition, cultivating lasting skills, resources and pride in these musicians.  

Event Details 

This event draws a diverse crowd of music lovers ready for an evening of amazing talent and supporting the local music community. Situated in the beautiful Columbia Tech Center Park, guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs or picnic blankets, find a spot and enjoy a night of great music.  

“These bands are cohesive and play at a high level. It’s a great community event at a public park. It’s quality rock music with some original songs, and teens having a lot of fun,” says Kortz.  

Because the event is free to the public, it’s an easy yes for anyone who wants a fun local outing. It’s an especially great choice for families and community members who want to encourage local musicians simply by showing up and cheering them on. A supportive audience makes a significant difference, especially for first-time performers on a larger stage. 

There will be no shortage of great food as well, with food trucks on site to grab dinner or a snack. Attendees can also visit booths hosted by several sponsors of the event, offering a unique opportunity to learn more about the local music scene here in Clark County.  

This was no solitary feat. Kortz celebrates the wonderful community partners and sponsors that helped bring this event to life in years past and years to come. 

“It’s truly a community-built event,” he says.  

From event planning to prizes to equipment rentals, it’s incredible to see the community come together to support teens pursuing their passions.  

“In addition to our volunteer organizers, including myself, Ryan, and a recent marketing graduate, Sam Smithline, we had so many sponsors and supporters come to the table. Last year, we partnered with the Clark County Family YMCA as our fiscal sponsor and this year, we’re partnering with Enspire Arts,” Kortz notes.  

Kortz goes on to credit several local businesses in supporting the prizes that will be awarded to the very deserving musicians participating in the Clark County Battle of the Bands. “Music World Stores provides gift cards and stage gear. Local professional musicians volunteer on our panel of judges, and some of them also donate prizes, such as music studio recording sessions. Private lessons and group class tuition are donated by School of Rock Vancouver and Perfect Harmony Academy of Music.” 

These prizes do more than reward a great performance. They help young musicians take the next step, whether it’s upgrading essential gear, recording a demo, getting feedback from professionals or learning new skills through lessons that accelerate their growth.  

Impact & Looking Forward 

This event is rooted in a love for music, but one of the main pulse points is a passion for mental health and youth in the community thriving while doing something they love. Creative outlets can become a lifeline for youth, offering stress relief, confidence, a sense of identity and a grounding in their community. For many young people, music is also a place where they feel understood, where they can belong.  

Kortz said this about what this event means for the teens who step foot on the stage, “Artistic expression is so important for youth, and this event connects with a specific kind of musician. It’s an opportunity to step outside their high school environment and play on a bigger stage. There might be nerves, excitement and stakes of 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place prizes, but it’s a friendly competition. It’s mutually supportive and encouraging.” 

The future is bright for Clark County Battle of the Bands, and there’s something special about the community coming together for this purpose. The hope is continuing growth for years to come, and ultimately, more youth on stage performing their music and more pathways for young musicians to pursue their passions.  

When asked about the future of the event, Kortz said, “We’d love to see it continue to grow, involving more and more young artists. We are working on partnerships with local venues and other Clark County music-based businesses to feature these teen bands in shows outside of the annual Battle of the Bands and amplify them as a vital part of our local music scene.” 

How to Get Involved 

Supporters can get involved by attending the event, inviting friends and family and helping spread the word. Simply showing up can be a meaningful way to encourage these musicians and show them their community is cheering them on.  

Each year, applications are open from February through April. Kortz says, “While bands for this year’s event have already been selected, all interested musicians are encouraged to attend the event on June 6th and stay involved with the Battle of the Bands through Instagram at @clarkcountybattleofthebands and other upcoming showcases. We hope to see your application next year!” 

At its core, the Clark County Battle of the Bands is about what happens when a community comes together to support artistic expression. It’s free, it’s local and it’s designed to celebrate young musicians who are brave enough to share their art out loud. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a bite to eat and spend the evening of June 6th cheering on the next wave of Clark County talent.  

Read the May 2026 Issue