More stressful than the SATs. More dramatic than the relationship between the head cheerleader and the football star. More important than finding the perfect prom outfit. Of course, we’re talking about choosing which high-school band to support in Las Vegas’ semiannual-ish Bike Rack Battles.

Staged at University Theatre in 2007 and the long-shuttered Huntridge prior to that, BRB has been a victim of all-ages venue scarcity over the years. The 2009 version—scheduled from January 20 through February 5—has already moved once, from Gameworks to the Box Office, but the change hasn’t stopped more than 20 local bands from entering.

The rules: Bands must be based in Las Vegas and have at least one member still in high school. Bands are judged not only on performance, but also on ability to draw a crowd; entrants are required to hype their shows by selling a minimum of 40 tickets, with compensation for sales over the minimum. Prizes include studio time, customized merchandise, CDs and cold, hard cash. The first-place act will also be awarded a future gig opening for an as-yet-to-be-determined national headliner.