Sunset Tabernacle wins Battle of the Bands

Following a day of clouds which cast the evening into doubt, the weather smiled on Main Street McMinnville organizers once again for the fifth week of the 22nd year of Main Street Live.

Returning to Security Federal Savings Bank’s West Lawn after last week’s special Fourth of July show at Milner Recreation Center, the free summer concert series put the spotlight on the third annual Battle of the Bands.

Three local bands, Zeno’s Ghost, Sunset Tabernacle and Smoke in Mirrors, each made a pitch for the audience’s support with 30-minute sets. Voting was done by the audience in the form of monetary donations with each dollar given in the name of a band counting as a vote. The proceeds go to Main Street McMinnville for the continued funding of events like Main Street Live.

At the conclusion of the night, Sunset Tabernacle emerged as the winner of the title of Battle of the Bands champion, the $500 prize and a chance to play during next year’s Main Street Live lineup. The winning band raised $309 while Smoke In Mirrors finished second with $245 and Zeno’s Ghost raised $165.

During the break between Zeno’s Ghost and Sunset Tabernacle, the crowd was treated to a sneak preview of “See If You Remember,” a Caring Hearts United production coming to the Park Theater Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.

The 2026 Main Street Live concert series continues next Friday with returning fan-favorite Entice.

Main Street Live is sponsored by Main Street Media, Security Federal Savings Bank, Bridgestone, McMinnville Electric System, Law Offices of Galligan & Newman, Warren County, City of McMinnville, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District, Hale & Hines Nursery, Citizens Tri-County Bank and Hoover & Son Insurance.