The stage is set for four local bands to vie for the spot as champion at Band Together NC’s fourth annual philanthropic musical showdown known as Last Band Standing – and you can have a say!

Taking place on Saturday, March 1 at Lincoln Theatre in downtown Raleigh, the event aims to raise proceeds to support Band Together’s 2014 nonprofit partners, Communities in Schools of Wake County and Communities in School of Durham.

Band Together’s biggest rock battle to date will include top-notch North Carolina bands Big Daddy Love, Jack the Radio, Onward Soldiers, and The Morning After, all who will be competing for $3,000 in cash prizes and a coveted opening slot for the headlining band at Band Together’s annual spring concert event.

“The excitement and passion each of these talented acts brings is evident as this event nears,” said Matt Strickland, executive director of Band Together NC. “We are so proud to share the very best of North Carolina’s music with our community and are grateful to be able to help elevate such a worthy cause in our partnership with Communities In Schools through this event.”

Each of the competing bands will perform a 30-40-minute set with a panel of four judges choosing the winner. Audience voting will help decide the winner in the event of a tie among the judges.

This year’s judges include Chris Malarkey of Lincoln Theatre; Sara Waters, coordinator for Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival; Taylor Traversari of Ret Hat Amphitheater; and David Shaw of Yep Roc Music Group.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 day of the show for general admission and $75 for VIP (includes dinner and drinks), and can be purchased online at etix.

For more information about Band Together, visit bandtogethernc.org.