Med student band wins over crowd at Doc Rock
Posted on February 3, 2026 by Lindsay Hughes
More than 300 people filled the floor to cheer, sing and dance at the 5th annual Doc
Rock, held Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile.
Five local bands with a connection to USA Health competed in the battle-of-the-bands event, raising money for their designated health system entities. All proceeds will support research and critical patient needs.
“Doc Rock was an outstanding night made possible by our sponsors, supporters and an amazing crowd,” said Shanna Thorpe, director of constituent engagement, medical affairs development at the University of South Alabama. “Each band brought its own flavor and electric energy, creating a nonstop, unforgettable experience.”
The bands raised funds through voting donations and competed for awards to provide more support for their designated entities. A panel of judges along with crowd participation determined the evening’s award winners.
Society Hill won the Rock the Mission Award, sponsored by the USA Foundation, raising $5,000 for Project Inspire, a hospital-based injury prevention program at USA Health University Hospital.
Sixth Sense, a band comprising Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine students, landed the Fanatic Award, raising $4,000 for the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. The band also took home the Crowd-er Favorite Award, sponsored by CrowderGulf, which added $2,000 to their fundraising total.
Sloth Racer won the Technical Award, raising $3,000 for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
Lynn Batten, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at USA Health, served as emcee. Judges included "Crash" with iHeart radio station TK101; Joe Jones, M.D., assistant professor of interdisciplinary oncology at the Mitchell Cancer Institute and past Doc Rock performer; Ryan “Pablo” Foster from 92 Zew and the Liberty Learning Foundation; Jamey Greer, executive director of support services for USA Health Providence Hospital and health system safety officer; and Cami Marlowe from 97.5 WABD of Cumulus Media.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Crowd Favorite Award sponsor: Crowder Gulf
- Rock the Mission Award sponsor: USA Foundation
- Encore sponsors: Fabrication Specialists, Natalie Fox and Leah Nichols
- Band Groupie: Infinx Healthcare
- Media sponsors: Cumulus Media, FOX10, iHeart Media and Lagniappe Daily
- In-kind sponsors: Panini Senior Bowl, Soul Kitchen and Sound Associates