“BAND Against Bullying,” the annual competition to raise bullying awareness, will take place at 7 p.m. April 27 at Shea’s 710 Main Theater. The event is sold out.

Lead sponsors are UB’s Alberti Center for Bullying Prevention, M&T Bank, Kiss 98.5 and Ingram Micro.

“BAND Against Bullying” is a premiere inter-school music-and-arts competition related to the theme of “dignity.” Students from eight local high schools and one middle school will present themed performances to raise community awareness of bullying-related issues and to raise support of anti-bullying education efforts. 

Special guest Nicholas Picholas from Kiss 98.5 will emcee.  The acts will be scored by a panel of seven judges.

Bullying and harassment occur frequently among youth — one out of three students is involved as perpetrator, target or both. Bullying and harassment are related to social, emotional, behavioral and academic problems, and can impact all involved, according to the events’ organizers.