‘We require to recognize those without a voice’

HOUSTON— Houston, clear your schedules: from Friday, August 22 via Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Pepsi National Fight of the Bands (NBOTB) is taking control of NRG Arena and bordering places.

While the weekend break is loaded with experiences, the centerpiece, the Fight of the Bands, strikes the area on Saturday, August 23, with doors opening up at 3:00 p.m. and outset at 4:30 p.m.

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Taking the area for Houston that day is the “Sea of Heart” from Texas Southern College (TSU) and they’re bringing greater than simply songs. They’re bringing custom, function, and a bit of celebrity power.

Nevertheless, this isn’t simply any type of HBCU band. TSU’s Sea of Heart when marched together with Beyoncé throughout in 2014’s NFL Xmas Gameday Live halftime program on Netflix. Currently, they’re back on their home lawn, prepared to advise the globe that Houston recognizes exactly how to place on a program.

” This is 22’s in 2014, so we’re bring out a bang. Prepare to obtain ruined,” claimed Sharish Jones, the Sea of Heart’s piccolo area leader, chuckling as she clarified exactly how her elderly year really feels both bittersweet and unstoppable.

Jones has actually been with the band considering that her fresher year and functioned her method as much as lead the piccolo area– a huge bargain on the planet of HBCU show-style marching bands. “Woodwinds are necessary in this sort of band,” she included happily.

For Kevin Smith, among the Sea of Heart’s drum majors, the minute is equally as individual. Currently in his 4th year, Smith states his course can be found in with a “go-get-it attitude” and hasn’t reduced considering that. The Sea has actually swelled to almost 200 participants solid, and he states that development has actually just made them hungrier.

” I actually can not inform you what we’re bringing … you simply much better wish you prepare,” Smith teased.

And prepared you need to be.

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The 2025 Pepsi National Fight of the Bands isn’t simply a competitors– it is among the greatest displays of HBCU society in the nation. 8 giant bands, from Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South to Savanna Sight A&M’s Marching Tornado, will certainly take the area on Saturday, August 23 at NRG Arena.

This year’s schedule consists of:

• Alabama A&M College– Marching Maroon & & White|Playing to the East

• Albany State College– Marching Rams Program Band|Playing to the East

• Florida A&M College– Marching “100”|Playing to the West

• Jackson State College– Sonic Boom of the South|Playing to the East

• Langston College– Marching Satisfaction Band|Playing to the West

• North Carolina A&T State College– Blue & & Gold Marching Equipment|Playing to the West

• Prairie Sight A&M College– Marching Tornado|Playing to the West

• Texas Southern College– Sea of Heart|Playing to the East

But the Sea of Heart states this year’s efficiency will certainly bring an also much deeper significance.

” This weekend break we’re gon na commemorate the lives shed in Kerr Area throughout the flooding on the fourth of July,” claimed Brian Simmons, TSU’s Sea of Heart Band Supervisor. “It’s something that’s close to and dear to my heart … We require to speak about some essential points. We require to recognize those that do not have a voice presently.”

Simmons informed KPRC 2’s Zorrie Jones that this had not been simply a creative selection– it was an obligation. “Songs is an excellent opportunity for that, band is an excellent opportunity. I locate it unsatisfactory when we do not recognize things that have actually taken place,” he claimed. “Just how do we have an occasion in Houston, Texas and we do not recognize Texans that we’ve shed simply on the fourth of July? So it was much less of something I wished to do. It was something I needed to do. And it’s the ideal point to do.”

NBOTB weekend break isn’t practically the bands– it’s loaded with FREE experiences for the entire area:

• Arising Experience Business Owner Meeting– Friday, August 22, 9:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. at The Deluxe Movie theater. This occasion attaches trendsetters and local business leaders.

• NBOTB Cares Neighborhood Outreach– Saturday, August 23, 9:00 a.m. Repaying via efforts like feeding the homeless and young people involvement.

Additionally on Saturday, August 23, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. at NRG Facility, a community-focused occasion called Follower Experience will certainly occur, supplied at no charge and including:

• The Pepsi Experience: Live efficiencies, home entertainment, and a supplier market.

• HBCU University & & Occupation Fair: Get In Touch With HBCUs and occupation possibilities via on-site associates and admissions information.

• Walk Off Competitors: Commemorate action and walk society and Black Greek Letter Organizations.

READ: The audio, heart, and spirit go back to Houston for the 2025 Pepsi National Fight of the Bands

” NBOTB is greater than an efficiency,” claimed occasion manufacturer Derek Webber. “It’s a motion that commemorates custom, ability, and the social effect of HBCUs throughout the nation.”

Tickets begin at simply $25, yet if you ask any one of the band participants, they could claim the genuine cost is boasting legal rights. Obtain your tickets right here.

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