![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
On May 7 and May 21, LouFest will be holding a high school battle of the bands at Off-Broadway in order to select six high school bands to play at LouFest.
From March 1 to April 8, teen bands can submit music with CDs or online to LouFest organizers in order to be possibly selected as one of the 12 finalists who will play in the battle of the bands.
Of the 12 bands who play in the contest, six will be selected to play 30 minute sets at LouFest on Aug. 27-28 on the side stage in AREA-K, which was formerly the kid’s village.
“We’re excited to be doing this. Playing LouFest should be fun for the bands and inspiring for those who see them. The opportunity for teenagers to be part of a festival like this is pretty rare. But it’s something we’re doing to help nuture the next generation of musicians in St. Louis,” said festival organizer Brian Cohen.
For more information on contest rules and submission, go to: http://www.loufest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Battle-of-the-Bands-Entry-Form.pdf
