(KOKI-Fox23 News) Inaugural Battle of the Bands benefit competition raises over $25,000
Tulsa, Oklah. – [May 18, 2026] – What started as an idea from a passionate GRAND Mental Health staff member grew into a powerful community movement. Blending a deep commitment to addiction recovery with a love of live music, GRAND Mental Health hosted a Battle of the Bands benefit concert this past weekend to raise funds, awareness, and hope for individuals on the road to recovery. More than a concert, this event celebrated Oklahoma’s vast recovery community and created a call to action. KOKI-Fox23 News covered the event preparation and recapped the event’s success.
More than $25,000 was raised to support GRAND’s life-saving work in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, access to care, outreach, and crisis care. This funding equates to more than 5,000 meals the outreach team can deliver to individuals experiencing homelessness and those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges as they work to connect them with treatment and support services. Every dollar raised helps create pathways to stability, healing, and hope for individuals striving to reclaim their lives.
“This event reflected the very best of our community and the power of what is possible when people come together for a greater purpose,” said Josh Cantwell, CEO of GRAND Mental Health. “Our team saw an opportunity to turn compassion into action, to reduce stigma, and to remind every person in recovery that they are not alone. That night, we didn’t just celebrate music—we celebrated courage, healing, and the hope that recovery can open the door to a stronger, brighter future.”
The stage came alive with incredible performances from first-place winner Blacker Sabbath, crowd favorite Midtown Shapeshifters, Echo 44, Kick’D Hopeless and Why Bother. Each band brought unforgettable energy to the competition and walked away with a well-deserved prize in appreciation of their talent and participation. Local celebrity guest judges included musician Josey Scott, The 918 Agent Stephen Hester, and GRAND’s Jeff Harlin. GRAND’s Trica Walters and Lynn Hernandez from 103.3 The Eagle served as emcees.
In addition to being a recovery community celebration and fundraiser, the GRAND Battle of the Bands aimed to increase overall community awareness about the challenges and successes faced by people living full lives beyond their addictions. Everyone had some association with addiction through family, friends, neighbors, and more. This 100% sober event invited all attendees to not only enjoy local music talent, but also to connect with a shared purpose rooted in hope, recovery, and connection.
GRAND Mental Health is grateful to our incredible sponsors who made the event possible, including Eleos Health, Helmerich and Payne, Hardesty Family Foundation, The Haven Detox Oklahoma, and JT Living, as well as our media sponsors Zoellner Media Group-103.3 The Eagle. Food trucks from Siegi’s Sausage Factory, Tacowasso, Crumble Stack Burgers and Fries, and Frigid Whip were on site to treat attendees to great food.