TUCSON, ARIZ. / AGILITYPR.NEWS / September 15, 2026 / Student bands get visibility and more from Tucson radio and the regional music scene.

Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) today announced Rock the Old Pueblo: Battle of the Bands, presented by Tucson Federal Credit Union, a new music competition for Tucson-area musicians ages 12 to 25. The event will take place Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at La Rosa in Tucson, with doors opening at 10:00 a.m.

Ten acts will take the stage in front of a live, all-ages audience and a panel of judges drawn from Tucson radio and the regional music scene. The competition runs in two rounds: every act opens with a cover song, and the finalists return to perform an original. Judges score songwriting, performance, and stagecraft, with audience energy factored into the mix.

Winners compete for a prize package that includes eight hours of studio recording time at Solid Rock in Phoenix, guitars and gear from local partners, opening slot opportunities at larger regional shows, and judges’ feedback and follow-up for every act.

Funding for band, orchestra, and choir programs has been cut across Tucson’s public schools, and TFCU created Rock the Old Pueblo to help close that gap.

“At Tucson Federal Credit Union, we believe one of the best investments we can make is in the next generation. Rock the Old Pueblo is about creating opportunities for young people to express themselves through music, build confidence, and gain experiences that can positively shape their future. Rather than simply awarding a cash prize, we’re providing opportunities that help these talented musicians develop their craft and create long lasting memories. Supporting youth and strengthening our community has always been part of who we are, and we’re so proud to launch what we hope becomes an annual Tucson tradition that celebrates creativity, inspires young talent, and brings our community together,” said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union.

TFCU intends for Rock the Old Pueblo to return each fall as an annual Tucson tradition, spotlighting young talent from across Southern Arizona.

General admission is $15, available in advance online at Larosa.com. The show is all ages.

Musicians interested in competing can submit an entry at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoofzHC1cAe2CgbQoK95z3AxfNcFnnNWF7o1gbDs2nk2JzPg/viewform.

Day at a Glance

10:00 a.m. — Doors open

11:00 a.m. — Show starts, Round 1 cover sets

1:00 p.m. — Finalists announced, short break

1:30 p.m. — Finals, original songs

3:00 p.m. — Winners announced

4:00 p.m. — Wrap, out of La Rosa

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About Tucson Federal Credit Union

Tucson Federal Credit Union exists to empower people and improve lives within the community. Their vision is to raise the level of prosperity for all generations and create thriving communities, and they fulfill this vision by creating opportunities through service, education, and access. For more information, please visit www.tucsonfcu.com.