Ernie Ball Presents PLAY Vans Warped Tour 2016

“Ernie Ball’s Battle of the Bands was a game-changer for me. That contest is the reason I was able to make the move from Nebraska to L.A. and start this 15 year odyssey of a career. It’s great that Ernie Ball gives this gift back to the music community. It’s a big part of why I chose to work with them on the Valentine guitar: they actually care about the players and are a big part of the community as a whole.” – James Valentine

Vans Warped Tour Partnership

Now in its 20th year, Ernie Ball’s longstanding unsigned artist program in partnership with the Van’s Warped Tour has become one of the leading platforms for up-and-coming acts, giving unsigned artists across the nation an opportunity to perform at some of the largest events and tours in the country. With thousands of bands participating annually in the competition, it has become a staple for the festival every year. Head to ErnieBall.com/Play to sign up!

“I started this program twenty years ago because the opportunity to experience playing music live seemed to be dwindling. The opportunities are even fewer and far between today. That makes us even more passionate about continuing to create the programs that give bands the exposure and experience of playing these world-class events.” – Sterling Ball, Ernie Ball CEO