Rock the Heartland

Youth rockers cranked it to eleven this past summer! Rock the Heartland lit up Southeast Missouri with the raw energy of young musicians keeping the soul of rock n’ roll alive. Solo artists, dynamic duos, and full-blown bands made some serious noise and showed the world what the next generation of sound is made of. Born in garages, school gyms, and backyard bonfires, rock n’ roll is the beating heart of the Midwest. That pulse is kept alive by giving young musicians the chance to rise up, plug in, and play LOUD.

This wasn’t just a competition—it was an experience.
August 29th was all about leveling up skills with rock education workshops led by pros in the industry.
August 30th was their moment in the spotlight—an all-out musical battle in front of a live crowd of 200 people and panel of judges ready to crown the next kings and queens of the heartland scene.

Thank you to everyone who showed up to support these bands. We were blown away by the attendance! It was absolutely amazing to see Scout Hall, a professional music venue, filled to the brim for these young rockers.

Rock the Heartland 2025 Winner: King Pink

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PARTICIPATING BANDS:

CHOLESTIATOMA

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KING PINK!

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LOST PRAYERS

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NEGATIVE WHIPLASH

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PARRHESIA

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THE SELLOUTS

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PARTICIPATING BANDS: CHOLESTIATOMA *** 404 NOT FOUND *** KING PINK! *** LOST PRAYERS *** NEGATIVE WHIPLASH *** PARRHESIA *** THE SELLOUTS ***


POWERED BY PASSION, BACKED BY LEGENDS

Thank You

Rock the Heartland Logo Designer
Faun Walker

Judges
Steve Schaffner, Amber Duley, & Melissa Cooper

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

We don’t want you to rock out once a year…we want to see you playing and putting your awesome talent into the world! So, here are a couple options you all have to play around town in the coming months…

  • Student Membership:

    • Join the Arts Council as a Student Member for Only $15/Year

    • With Membership, You Are Eligible to Be a First Friday Performing Artist

  • Youth Art Month- First Friday in February

    • Help launch Youth Art Month with performances in Scout Hall

BECOME A MEMBER
BECOME A FIRST FRIDAY PERFORMER
email our director about Youth Art Month

Are you a youth musician who didn’t get to participate in 2025?

Follow us on Facebook and bookmark this page for Battle of the Band announcements this Spring!