Battle of the Hamm’s 2026: Contenders face off against one Boldmember

Music | May 19th, 2026

By John Showalter

It’s that time of year again. The long-running battle of the bands at The Aquarium, Battle of the Hamm’s, is entering its twentieth year, and local bands will be facing off against last year’s champs, Boldmember. The price of entry for each contestant is a 30-pack of cold, refreshing Hamm’s beer (from the land of sky blue waters!) and the winner takes all the booze and the title belt.

What bands are playing this year and which ones are making their debut?

“The reigning, defending, undisputed beer drinking champions of Fargo-Moorhead defend their Hamm's crown in a 10 band brawl,” said Aquarium promoter Ryan Hoffart. “Featuring dumpster dwelling kings Trash Boyardee, pro skaters Pop Dove-It, half bird, half mask Ravencrow, dreamers Broken Broadway Dreams, no scope snipers Antler, hardcore rules only Frenzied State, The Rockers without Marty Jannetty aka The Emptys, and debuts from heavy lifting gods ALIEM, and dark lords SABBATHI!”

And now some questions for last year’s reigning champs, Boldmember, a conglomeration of four powerhouses of the Fargo-Moorhead music scene: Andrew Attleson, Mike Schmidt, “Earthworm” Tim Gibson, and Jeremy Smith.

HPR: What role do each of you play in the band?

Andrew Attleson: Tim plays rhythm guitar, Mike plays bass, Jeremy is on drums and I play lead and sing and write most of our music.

HPR: When and how did you get your start?

AA: Battle of the Hamm’s was our first show, but we have a long and storied history of playing together in bands like Mr. Meaner and Moo Boots for years.

HPR: How did you come up with that name?

AA: We threw a lot of names at the wall, but Mike was the one to come up with the name. In our traditional fashion, we laughed, moved on and then couldn't come up with anything better.

HPR: What’s with the track suits?

AA: The track suits are a fundamental part of our core identity. You have to look hard to rock hard and I like to give the people something to look at while we play.

HPR: How would you describe your music?

AA: It's hard to describe, but it's punk rock at its core. We try to keep it greasy and rough while still playing songs I think everyone can enjoy, but we definitely have a lot of punk and classic rock in our DNA.

HPR: What was it like winning your first Battle of the Hamm’s?

AA: It was amazing, one of the best nights of my life. Seeing people singing along to our songs by the third verse was an incredible feeling and all I ever want to do is rock harder and harder.

HPR: Anything you want to say to the competition?

AA: Yeah, to all the competition: meet me by the flagpole after school, or else you're chicken. You can pry this belt from my bold dead hands. Come try me.

IF YOU GO:

Battle of the Hamm’s 2026

Saturday, May 23, 7 p.m.- 1 a.m.

The Aquarium above Dempsey’s, 226 Broadway, Fargo

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