COUNTRY BAND CONTEST
In conjunction with the Hodag Country Festival, hosts from around the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan sponsor country band contests or Pick-Offs. The first and second place winners of each Pick-Off will advance to compete at the Hodag Country Festival on Friday, July 9th, 2027, for cash prizes and the title of Wisconsin State Country Band Champion!
Winners of each Pick-Off will receive a cash prize for competing at the Hodag Country Festival.
If you’re interested in competing in a country band contest, contact the appropriate host for entry forms and information.
Make plans to attend the Pick-Off contest located nearest you. There is something in store for everyone. Come as a contestant – the exposure is great! You may generate bookings, plus you will have an opportunity to hear other bands from your area. Not to mention, the first and second place winners will advance to the Hodag Country Festival to compete for cash prizes and the title of Wisconsin State Champion. Come as a spectator – you couldn’t ask for a better time listening to live entertainment performed by those who enjoy playing and singing for folks like you, the country music fan.
Congratulations to the 2026
Country Band Contest Finalists
Champion
Tennessee Whiskey Revival
2nd Place
Evan Garski
3rd Place
Whiskey & Lace
4th Place
Soul Whiskey
Contest Locations
Country Band Contest Rules
- Contestants must be of legal age in the state in which they enter the contest. If the contestant is a minor child they must provide a legally signed waiver by parent or guardian.
- Contestants must be of good moral character.
- Contestants will be responsible for their own expense to and from the local and state contest.
- Contestants must perform Country Music in the local and state competition.
- All local contest winners agree to appear at the State Finals. If for some reason a local winner should be unable to appear, the Radio Station or the Hodag Country Festival has the right but not the obligation to replace the local winner not appearing with the 1st runner-up from the local area which would not otherwise be represented. The winner on the State level is expected to attend the opening ceremonies for the Country Band Contest and the Hodag Country Festival the following year.
- Contestants will be judged by 5 qualified judges on appearance, professionalism, preparedness, material, audience interaction, stage ability and vocal ability.
- All regional winners will receive at least $250.00 cash prize money upon competing at the finals on July 9th, 2027, at the Hodag Country Festival.
- The Hodag Country Festival will provide cash prizes at the State Championship contest held in Rhinelander, Wisconsin: 1st Place – $3,500.00, 2nd Place – $2,000.00, 3rd Place – $1,000.00, 4th through last place – $500.00.
- The winner will be titled “Wisconsin State Champion Performer(s)” for the year.
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners of Regionals will receive free weekend passes to the Hodag Country Festival – July 8, 9, 10, 11, 2027 (Band Members Only – Performers).
- Any regional winner of the Wisconsin State Championship Contest 2027 may not compete in another region for prizes or awards. Contestants who do not win in a region may compete in any of the other regional events with the permission of the radio station sponsor.
- All regional winner band members must be the same members that compete at the State contest. Any changes must be approved by the Hodag Country Festival Committee.
- Solo contestants must provide own back-up band if needed.
- State winner at Hodag Country Festival cannot enter contests for 2 years after the reign. (example: 2027 winner cannot compete until Spring of 2029)