Event poster for "Build the Band 3" hosted by Cliff Bennett, on June 27th, 2026, at Miller Theater, Augusta, GA. Features band leaders, judges, and Habitat for Humanity logo, with a purple background.

Join us for the 3rd Annual

Build the Band

Get ready to rock, roll, and raise the roof as Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity presents the 3rd Annual ‘Build the Band’ live at The Miller Theater on Saturday June 27st, 2026. The CSRA’s finest musicians and singers will battle it out to be crowned the ultimate champion, all for the benefit of Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity. With judges in the house and the audience’s vote, the stage is set for a musical showdown like no other! Who will steal the spotlight and rock your socks off?

Join us for a night of talent, laughter, and charity! 

Hosted by Cliff Bennett.

Band Leaders: Ethan Balducci, AE the Cool, John Kelley, and Patrick Reagan. 

Judges: Wycliffe Gordon, Amy Patton, Coco Rubio, Ed Turner, and David Watts

A man with curly hair plays an electric guitar energetically indoors. Text above reads "Build a Band 3: The Bands Are Here!" Below, "Ethan Balducci" is featured, along with a list of supporting band members.

Ethan Balducci is a musician, songwriter, and producer from Augusta, GA. Ethan began playing music at an early age, growing up surrounded by the sweet sounds of his musical family (Edison Project, The Favors, JJ Majj, and Ed Turner & Number 9). Ethan first came on to the Augusta music scene playing in Village Sticks. You can find him now playing bass in The Dusty Angels, or leading his own band as Alto Pablo. 

A woman in a sleeveless top poses confidently against a red background. Text reads “Build the Band 3: The Bands Are Here! AE the Cool Featuring: Zach Coleman, Joe Looney, Keven Mack, Rino Mendoza, Rob Thompson.”.

AE the Cool is an R&B/Soul singer, songwriter, and curator from Augusta, Georgia, blending smooth vocals with emotionally rich storytelling. Known for her magnetic stage presence and genre-bending artistry, she delivers music that feels both timeless and current, rooted in classic soul while pushing R&B forward.

A celebrated live performer, She has also opened for iconic artists Wycliffe Gordon, Angie Stone, Doug E. Fresh, and Macy Gray, solidifying her reputation as an artist who can command the stage alongside industry greats. In 2024, she was voted Best of Augusta, a testament to her impact on the city’s music scene.

A man in a red cap and plaid shirt sings into a microphone on stage. Text reads: "Build the Band 3: The Bands Are Here! John Kelley featuring Brooks Andrews, Jacob Beltz, Lamar Morgan, Keith Peterson, Paxson Summer.
John Kelley was born and raised in Augusta Georgia graduating from Lakeside high school in 1990. He grew up playing competitive golf and developed a love for music during his high school years, especially rock ‘n’ roll. Which led to him attending Wake Forest University on a golf scholarship during the day and singing with every band that came to their fraternity parties at night.  After getting married in 1998 he started his career running a construction development company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the next 15 years. John returned home in 2014 to continue his career in Augusta and is now the front man for Black Dawg a local throwback rock ‘n’ roll band consisting of some of his high school rockers.  He enjoys his time being creative with real estate and identifying the hidden value in everything.  If he’s not on the golf course with one of his three children, Walter, Trudie, and Grady then you’ll probably find him in his dump truck or skid steer 
A promotional poster for "Build-A-Band 3: The Bands Are Here!" shows a musician playing bass guitar. The text highlights Patrick Reagan and lists Matt Dahlheimer, Adam Dickerson, Dave Mercer, Lamar Mitchell, and Deveran Roof.

Patrick Reagan is an Augusta native. He has been working in music professionally since 2016. Artists and acts he has worked with include Niko Moon, Lady A, Maverick City, Northpoint Music, The Dusty Angels, Tortoise Portal, Mercury Runner, and Dyedinwool. Patrick is part of the writing team of a new original musical Head In The Clouds: A Giant Musical Adventure. He is excited to return to Build The Band for a third year. Around town you might find him serving coffee at Trellis Coffee Bar, or pouring a great beer at Savannah River Brewing Company. Let’s rock!

BUILD THE BAND 2026

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Why Sponsor Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity’s “Build the Band” Event?

Make a Meaningful Impact:

By sponsoring our event, you directly contribute to building safe and affordable housing for families in need within the Augusta/CSRA community. Your support helps provide stability, security, and hope for those striving for a better future.

Enhance Brand Visibility:

Gain exposure to a diverse audience of community members, business leaders, and music enthusiasts. You have the opportunity for your brand to be prominently featured in event promotions, social media campaigns, and on-site signage, maximizing your visibility and reach.

Foster Community Engagement:

Align your brand with a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of local families. By supporting Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity, you demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.

Access Exclusive Benefits:

As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a range of benefits tailored to meet your marketing objectives, including preferred seating, recognition in event programs, and the opportunity to network with other sponsors and community leaders.

Enjoy a Memorable Experience:

Join us for an evening filled with exceptional live music, featuring talented local artists and performers. Celebrate the power of music and philanthropy while making lasting memories with friends, colleagues, and fellow supporters.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your brand’s commitment to making a difference in our community. Become a sponsor of Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity’s “Build the Band” event and help us build brighter futures, one home at a time.

For sponsorship inquiries, please click the link below or contact Tom Reed – treed@augustahabitat.org

Banner for “Build the Band 3” at Augusta's USSRA Education for Humanity, with event dates June 28–30, 2023, and a call for entrants and showgoers. The design includes yellow and green elements on a dark background.