Thursday, July 16, Paddlefish Brewing
The 48 Hour Band Challenge starts with the 48 Hour Band Challenge Draft. This is where bands are made, and what better place to hold a Band Challenge Draft than at a brewery?! Am I right? MOMF is once again teaming with Paddlefish Brewing in Saint Peter for the event, they will even have a 48 Hour Band Challenge Draft on tap! The event is managed by MOMF’s Band Challenge master, “Punk Rock” Tom Heffernan. We will be posting our event signup sometime in June so musicians, stay tuned for more information about the event.
NOTE: This event is intended to be fun, so have FUN! Also, keep in mind that musicians you meet here might very well end up being in your band. This happens (a lot). Some of the bands that have been formed at these events have actually become bands. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other creative souls. Take time to connect with others, this is where community is built.
Tom and his team are still working out the specifics for this year’s event so the guidelines below are subject to change:
1) Signup online or in person. There’s generally a 40 person limit for the event, so it’s wise to signup online to assure yourself a spot.
2) Attend the 48 Hr Band Challenge Draft!(it’s mandatory) Paddlefish Brewing, St. Peter, Thursday, July 16. The draft typically starts at 6:00 pm. Your band may want to practice right away, so consider bringing your instrument.
3) Check-in with Tom or one of his team members when you arrive.
4) Get randomly placed with other musicians to form a band: we try to make sure every band has a drummer, bassist, guitarist and vocalist, and there are often other instruments (keys, cello, horns, etc.), but band formation depends a lot on who signs up.
5) Get the rules: Tom and his Team will lead you through a process, explain rules, answer questions, solve problems.
6) Go to work: develop a work schedule that works for your band and practice.
7) Perform: 48 Hr Band Challenge Contest, Saturday, July 19, 6:00 pm, Patrick’s on Third, Saint Peter, MN, for a group of judges and a packed audience!
Thursday LIVE music!
Stick around after the Draft for some live music including:
Papa John Kolstad & “Wailin” Willie Smith, two stalwarts of the Minnesota music scene that have seen it all.
Lady Mercury. This band was formed in 2025, at the 48 Hour Band Challenge, where the band took 1st place. They’re awesome.
Click here for a piece on KEYC from the 2024 band The Purple Yodas.
The band, Yellow Tape, performing at the 2023 48 Hr Band Challenge, Patrick’s on Third, Saint Peter, MN.