When it comes to the Buffalo-Niagara beer scene, it’s usually all about that collaboration not competition life, but that mantra will be set aside at the Battle of the Brewery Bands, which takes place tonight at New York Beer Project.

The unique event pits brewery against brewery, with each starting up their own ragtime band to take the stage and perform one song and one song only. On top of the fun that’s sure to be had, all of the proceeds from the event are going to help a good cause – the Music is Art Foundation. The entrance fee is $75 for each band, to which New York Beer Project will add an additional $25 for every band that performs.

“We decided to do the Battle of The Bands because it’s the perfect chance for Breweries to come together to support the theme of this year’s Buffalo Beer Week – music,” NYBP owner Kelly Krupski said. “We can have fun, collaborate on something other than beer for a change, and make a difference at the same time.”

100% of the money raised will go directly to Music is Art, which was formed by Goo Goo Doll’s Robby Tacak. They have scholarships, summer music camps and youth jazz festivals, but they also hold used musical instrument drives.

“There are a lot of good causes out there, but being a former music teacher in an inner city school, I know the way music can change a kid’s mood, outlook, and give them hope. We took a group of troubled kids and formed them into a choir,” Krupski adds. “They were good! They went on to work together, and actually went on to win a music competition that I never thought we’d even get into. The way that boosted their confidence, and made them walk so much more proud, and took their mind off other things that weren’t so great shows what music can do for kids. That’s not even mentioning the cognitive benefits of learning to sing or play an instrument.”

The Battle of the Brewery Bands kicks off at New York Beer Project at 7:30pm. Here’s hoping someone records a lot of video.

Brian Campbell is a co-founder/Brand Manager of the BNBA’s enthusiast arm, Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at buffalobeerleague@aol.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague) and www.buffalobeerleague.com.