A mainstay of Moultrie’s downtown festivals of the 1990s returned last year, and organizers say this year’s Battle of the Bands will be even bigger than 2013’s.

“The original Battle of the Bands in the mid-’90s significantly influenced myself and a generation of Moultrie musicians,” said Eric Foster Whiddon, who owns Beans and Strings, a coffee shop and music store downtown. “I’m really excited to be part of the team that is bringing this event back to Spring Fling and downtown Moultrie.

“In our very first Battle in 20 years, we had enough interest to fill every available slot, with competitors in all four categories,” he said. “The talent that will take the stage during Battle is very impressive; we have artists that cross multiple genres. I’m glad I’m a coordinator and not a judge! The 2014 Battle of the Bands is going to be one of the highlights of Spring Fling, for sure.”

The battle of the bands committee, which includes downtown business owners Carrie Viohl and Foster-Whiddon, local physician Dr. James Huffman, Downtown Moultrie Association President Bill Harrison and Moultrie Main Street Director Amy Johnson has been working to put together prize packages and schedules for the event.

This years panel of judges include Huffman, Angelie Lipscomb and Patrick Kunes.  

The Battle will be located on the South Main Street stage beginning at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday. Scheduled performers include:

2:45 p.m.: Third Cousins.

3 p.m.: Lauren Massey.

3:15 p.m.: Cheyenne Dahlgren.

3:30 p.m.: The Gilbert Girls.

3:45 p.m.: Kasey King.

4 p.m.: Kelly Raran.

4:15 p.m.: Nathan Avery.

4:30 p.m.: Kickfire.

4:45 p.m.: Caleb Nelson.

5 p.m.: Riches N Christ.

5:15 p.m.: Aimless.

5:30 p.m.: Strange Nation.

5:45 p.m.: Winners presentation and competitor photo.