Miles College’s Purple Marching Machine, the two-time reigning HBCU national band champion, is set to perform at the 2027 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands on Jan. 16, 2027, at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Palm Beach, Florida, according to Bham Now.
Bham Now reported that the Birmingham-area ensemble earned its second consecutive national title when it won the ESPN 2025 Red Lobster HBCU Division II Band of the Year championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The students’ championship journey was documented in a YouTube film about the band.
The Mighty Marching Hornets from Alabama State University will also participate in the national event, along with three other HBCU bands that have confirmed their participation, Bham Now reported. Organizers said the gathering represents the talent, tradition, excellence and cultural influence of HBCU marching bands.
Beyond the Saturday battle, the weekend will include an entrepreneur conference, jobs fair and fan experience, according to Bham Now. Music educators and band programs can find ticket and registration information at NationalBattleoftheBands.com.
For more information, visit bhamnow.com.