Owen Gerth and John Schaefer from Schizmatics perform at CHP Showdown 2022.

Eight student bands will battle for a chance to play at Centralhallapalooza during CHP Showdown on April 12 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the Old Snack Bar.

The Alligator Wranglers, Ambassadors, Runaround, Schizmatics, Spike Jager and the Spitfires, Diet of Worms, and Refresco will perform on the outdoor patio. The Student Activities Board will serve pizza, popcorn, beer, and hard cider inside. Students who attend can cast three votes for their favorite groups, and the top three bands will play at CHP on April 27.

“It’s one of the most fun and lively events of the year,” junior and SAB creative team lead Joy Hanes said. “The music and energy in the tent is so much fun since the bands are competing.”

Sophomore and SAB media team lead Erik Teder performed at last year’s CHP Showdown and said it was the highlight of his freshman year.

“We gelled together as a band, and I think we responded to the pressure well and gave our best show of that year,” Teder said.

This year, Teder will again play with his band, Diet of Worms.

“Live music is such a special part of Hillsdale culture that’s easy to take for granted,” Teder said. “At what other point in your life are you able to walk five minutes to see live music played by people you know? A lot of these bands have been playing show after show all year building up to this event.”

Sophomore Madison Gilbert went to CHP Showdown last year and said she enjoyed it more than CHP because of the wider range of bands.

“It’s a lot of fun. There’s never a down moment,” Gilbert said. “It’s an evening of a lot of music and a lot of songs that you probably do know and you get to see your friends perform. It’s a nice way to step away from the school work because life’s not all about schoolwork. You should also have fun with your friends.”

Teder encouraged students to come to CHP Showdown.

“Stress starts to build around this time of the year as exams and term papers loom overhead,” Teder said. “CHP Showdown is a great opportunity to let loose with some of the best entertainment in south-central Michigan. Plus, this is your chance for a voice in what you’ll hear at CHP.”