By Robert J. McLennan

The Borderland Festival has always included local Western New York music on the bill.  And this year, they are continuing the Battle of the Bands process where a band will win a spot to play at the festival alongside big-name national touring acts and well-seasoned local professionals.

If you missed the previous rounds, the good news is the final round is coming up this Thursday (Aug 14) at Buffalo Iron Works, a show at one of Buffalo’s premier live music clubs.  The show starts at 7 pm, doors at 6 pm. 

In the Finals Showcase, panel of judges and fans will vote to crown the 2025 Battle of the Borderland winner.

The Final 4:

Roy G Biv – a Buffalo based quartet that says it explores several genres through improvisation and amalgamations of musical influences.

Marshmellow Overcoat. They call themselves “Classic Rock For Today,” and are not to be confused with Marshmallow Overcoat, the 1980s Paisley Underground band.

Brian Thomas & The Strikes –  Brian Thomas is a Central New York folk musician whose music has found a home in intimate venues and festival stages over the last several years.

Spud –  Grunge and punk-inspired band from WNY, spud describes itself as “potato punk & piano junk.”

Admission is  $10 and proceeds go to Stitch Buffalo.  

Stitch Buffalo is a textile art center committed to empowering refugee and immigrant women through the sale of their handcrafted goods, inspiring creativity and inclusion through community education, and stewarding the environment through the re-use of textile supplies.

• Set times are:
  7:00-7:25: SPUD 
• 7:45-8:10: BRIAN THOMAS & THE STRIKES
• 8:30-8:55: MARSHMALLOW OVERCOAT
• 9:15-9:40: ROY G BIV
• 10PM: Winner Announced

Learn more at at the venue page.