The brass band competition that made sound waves throughout New Orleans in 2010 and 2013 is making its return on Saturday, September 24. Red Bull Street Kings is a celebration of brass band traditions, merging the rich musical legacy of New Orleans with its progressive hip-hop culture. Music Box Village, a whimsical playground for interactive sounds, will set the stage for the long-awaited return of this music competition.

Kings of Brass (K.O.B), Sporty’s Brass Band, Big 6 Brass Band, and Young Pinstripe Brass Band will go head-to-head in two rounds, with only two bands advancing to the finals. The event will be hosted by Downtown Lesli Brown. Each band was chosen by a panel who are ingrained in the community curated by Nicole Robinson, a leader in the world of music, entertainment, and event production.

Four judges have been selected, including hip hop artist Mia X, underground rapper Curren$y, Christie Jourdain of the Original Pinettes, New Orleans Deputy Director of Arts and Culture Alana Harris, and band director Chris Herrero. Bands will be scored on stage appearance, material, energy, musicality, and innovation. DJ Kelly Green and Host Downtown Lesli Brown will bring the energy between sets, in addition to guest performances throughout the event.

In the first round, each band will second line into the venue, performing a traditional brass band song. The second round will pay tribute to the rich legacy of New Orleans music, paired with present-day artists in the ultimate collaboration. Each group will infuse the sound of a Southern-based hip-hop artist, including Stone Cold Jizzle, Alfred Banks, $leazy EZ and Treety. The band left standing after three rounds of competition will be crowned the winner and receive a grand prize.

“This type of collaboration with brass can only be done in New Orleans,” said hip hop artist Treety. “The culture, the people and the bands are different here.”

Previous Red Bull Street Kings winners include the Stooges Brass Band in 2010, and the Original Pinettes, who were appropriately named the Street Queens in 2013.

“This is not just a novelty,” said Natasha Harris of the Original Pinettes. “This is career, this is culture, this is family. To let the world see what we do in New Orleans is wonderful.”

The competition is open to the public on Saturday, September 24, at 2 p.m. at Music Box Village, 4557 N. Rampart Street. General admission is $5. Tickets may be purchased here.