Battle of the Greens kicked off Wednesday with the first of four showdowns. Ohio University musicians and bands across campus competed for the title of best band.
At 7 p.m., a crowd of excited students and locals gathered on College Green awaiting the first performance. Each band played three songs to showcase their abilities, and attendees were encouraged to vote, rating bands on a scale from one to 10 via Google Form.
The show, hosted by members of Housing and Residence Life, started as an effort to bring live music to campus. 2025 marks the first Battle of the Greens since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maddie Grice, a freshman studying hearing, speech and language sciences, and Sammy Sherman, a freshman studying political science, sat on a picnic blanket alongside other friends, ready for the show to begin.
“(We are here) to hang out and just have fun, it’s nice to have free live music,” Grice said.
“We're big fans of live music,” Sherman said.
Airbag, a four-member band, opened the show and performed both originals and covers. The four told the crowd this was their first live performance. However, their confidence was palpable as they covered “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead and “Fill In The Blank” by Car Seat Headrest.
Grice and Sherman said Airbag’s lively performance sealed their vote.
“They have a good vibe and we liked their clothes,” Grice said.
Solo-artist and freshman Cam Glenn, otherwise known as CAMEØ, performed unreleased music. Some attendees were familiar with the artist, as Glenn performed during the Union Bar’s Ladies’ Open Stage event.
The star of the show and winner of the competition, Guy Music, took to the stage shortly after. The local rock band performed three original songs.
Bobcats brought signs in support of Guy Music, holding them up as they performed. Following their lively performance and first-place title, the crowd broke into applause and cheers.
The night concluded with the band Beagle, who performed everything from alternative and indie to experimental and hip hop, according to their Instagram.
Lily Cochran, a freshman studying graphic design, and Kari Brown, a sophomore studying visual communications, said Beagle was the best band of the night.
“They kind of have a homey feel and in college, you need that homey feel,” Cochran said. “That is what they brought, and they were good with the crowd.”
Nadia Russo, a freshman studying strategic leadership and management, echoed this sentiment.
“I loved their sound,” Russo said. “I really liked their folk sound and the energy they brought.”
There will be three other nights of live music competition. The next performances will be Oct. 22 on West Green, Oct. 29 at Adams Garage and Nov. 5 behind Tiffin Hall. The winners of all four nights are invited to perform at OU’s Spring Festival.
“It was very fun and we're going to come again, I want to come again,” Cochran said.
