Rhythm on the Route


The Mardi Gras Battle of the Bands in Jefferson Parish is an exciting event held throughout the Mardi Gras season during the parades in Metairie. Middle school & high school marching bands "battle it out" as they march along Veterans Memorial Boulevard and "show-off their skills" to a panel of judges who determine a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner!
Bands earn bragging rights, trophy & a banner along with prize money:
1st Place Winner - $3,000
2nd Place Winner - $2,000
3rd Place Winner - $1,000
Bands may compete in multiple Metairie parades throughout the season. The program is sponsored by Jefferson Parish District 5 Councilwoman, Jennifer VanVrancken, who continues the tradition started by Jefferson Parish Councilwoman, now Parish President, Cynthia Lee Sheng. This program offers the opportunity for marching bands to showcase their talents and earn much-needed dollars for their programs, as well as provides the public with top-notch entertainment during the carnival parades.
Congratulations to our 2023 winners!

Krewe of Excalibur

1st Place: Chalmette High School
2nd Place: Belle Chase High School
3rd Place: Slidell High School
Krewe of Madhatters

1st Place: Fontainebleau High School
2nd Place: Belle Chase High School
3rd Place: Ponchatoula High School
Krewe of Centurions

1st Place: Archbishop Rummel High School
2nd Place: Alfred Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School
3rd Place: Belle Chasse High School
Krewe of Atlas

1st Place: Fontainebleau High School
2nd Place: Lakeshore High School
3rd Place: Wilkinson County High School
Krewe of Symphony

1st Place: Ednar Karr High School
2nd Place: John Ehret High School
3rd Place: Abramson Sci Academy
Krewe of Athena

1st Place: KIPP Frederick A. Douglass High School
2nd Place: Alfred Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School
3rd Place: Belaire High School
Krewe of Argus

1st Place: Plaquemine Senior High School
2nd Place: Belle Chasse Academy
3rd Place: Band of Exellence