THE PRODUCERS

 The key to Mr. Gilbert’s longevity is his ability to produce, own, and operate special event properties, such as MMDG’s signature property, the Often Imitated, Never Duplicated—Original Battle of the Bands (OBOTB). The Battle of The Bands was produced and promoted by Mr. Eugene Gilbert of MMDG first on Sunday, October 9, 1994, at Georgia Institute of Technology at Bobby Dodd Stadium in front of 40,000 near-packed stadium of rain-soaked spectators. It is well documented that Mr. Gilbert is recognized and credited as creating the Battle of Bands in the instrumental music industry, especially within the Historically Black College and University marching band community. Mr. Gilbert changed the name to the Original Battle of The Bands in 1998 due to the onslaught of what the youth of the day would refer to the other Battle of The Bands as “IMITATION BATTLE OF THE BANDS", which were all attempting to capitalize on the popularity and success of Mr. Gilbert’s musical creation. 

 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORIGINAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS TOUR Over the decades, MMDG has successfully organized and promoted HUNDREDS OF TIMES in nearly every city in the United States, particularly the South, where you have a significant African American population. And in some of the Nation’s most iconic stadiums, such as the Astro Dome in Houston, Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Orange Bowl in Miami, RFK Stadium in Washington DC, Superdome in New Orleans, and War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock to name a few stadiums and cities. In most cases, the OBOTB would achieve near-capacity crowds, often rivaling the attendances of major HBCU Football Classics such as the Atlanta Football Classic, Bayou Classic, Florida Classic, Magic City Classic, and the Peach State Classic, to name a few. 

 The Original Battle of The Bands Gives Back Millions Synergistically, the OBOTB features dynamic HBCU marching bands, talented high school marching bands, community dance teams, DJs, performers, and R&B entertainers to produce a stellar family-oriented experience like no other! With an ambiance reminiscent of the world’s greatest halftime shows, the OBOTB is an excellent opportunity for some of the Nation’s most talented young adults to exhibit their unique marching band styles. The OBOTB is a powerful and positive community-based special event property. Not only does it provide excellent family entertainment, but it is also a massive FUNDRAISER for participating marching bands. By selling tickets to the OBOTB, marching bands can keep a $5.00 to $10.00 commission for every ticket sold through their program or booster support organization. Since its inception in 1994, the OBOTB has generated MILLIONS OF DOLLARS for participating high schools, college marching bands, and community-based organizations.