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A mix of music, cash prizes and a special guest speaker are ingredients that coordinators hope make Bandfest a way to convey a positive message to teens.

"We want to make sure before they go down a path they understand it and are making more informed decisions," said Michele Dowdy, coordinator of guidance services.

The March 27 event brings together students from middle and high schools throughout the Roanoke Valley to listen to music by their peers and learn information to dissuade them from engaging in hazardous behaviors such as drug, alcohol and relationship abuse.

Students will hear a message from speaker Aaron Davis, a former University of Nebraska football player from the 1994 national championship team. Dowdy said Davis, who gives speeches around the country, will speak for free.

Dowdy said 10 to 15 garage bands will perform and be judged, with the top three bands receiving cash prizes to help further their musical aspirations. Dowdy said she has received five demo packets so far. The deadline to accept them is Monday.

In addition to Davis speaking, Dowdy said some students will present "Did you know?" discussions related to risky behavior while bands are setting up.

Nancy Hans, a coordinator of the sponsoring Roanoke County Prevention Council, said some of the risky behaviors targeted in the Bandfest are underage drinking; tobacco, marijuana, heroin and prescription drug use; and sharing of inappropriate pictures. Hans said she hopes to encourage parents to take an active role in curbing these behaviors in their children's lives once they reach the teenage years.

"Parents are very concerned about stuff like car seats and what's being put in baby bottles. Something happens around 14 or 15 [years old]," she said.

Hans said it becomes harder to communicate with children the older they get, so parents should work hard to support initiatives such as Bandfest.

Besides relaying a positive message, Dowdy said the primary goal is for everyone to have fun.

"I hear all the time from kids in the Roanoke Valley that there's nothing to do," Dowdy said. "We want to provide them an opportunity to have a really good time, and also a venue for student musicians."

She said there will be "tons" of food, games and activities during the event.

With more than a month left of planning, Dowdy said event coordinators need financial help and volunteers to help with the event.

Maddie Garber, an aspiring singer and Hidden Valley High School student, will perform noncompetitively, as will the Virginia pop/alt-rock band Clearview.

Should the event go well, Dowdy said Bandfest will become an annual competition. Her goal is to eventually hold Bandfest at the Roanoke Civic Center.

"It's the first one, and we hope it continues to get bigger and greater," she said.