Battle of the Bands Tie-Breaker Electrifies Shreveport Music Scene
By: Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams
Published July 20, 2025
Music fans packed into downtown Shreveport on the night of July 19 for a high-octane showdown between two talented local bands, following a rare tie in the preliminary rounds of this year’s Music Prize competition. The event, billed as a special tie-breaker performance, drew hundreds of attendees and showcased the energy, diversity, and depth of the city’s rising music scene.
The showdown was held at the historic Emmett Hook Center and featured finalists River Ridge Revival, a high-energy Southern rock group, and The Violet Haze, an experimental soul-fusion band known for their improvisational style. Both bands had scored identical marks from the judges during the main rounds, impressing the panel with original compositions, stage presence, and crowd engagement.
Rather than splitting the prize or choosing by vote tally alone, Music Prize organizers opted for a live tie-breaker concert to determine the winner, turning the moment into a celebration of local music rather than a simple decision. The format drew a spirited crowd of fans, friends, and first-time attendees eager to see who would rise to the top.
“It’s rare that we have a tie, but it’s a testament to the incredible talent in this year’s competition,” said Gregory Kallenberg, founder of the Prize Foundation. “Instead of flipping a coin, we let the music speak, and it brought the house down.”
Both finalists brought their best to the stage. River Ridge Revival kicked off the night with a raucous set of guitar-driven originals, featuring extended solos and crowd singalongs. The Violet Haze followed with a moody, atmospheric performance that blended jazz, R&B, and spoken word, drawing loud cheers for their emotional delivery and unique instrumentation.
Judges, comprising industry professionals, local musicians, and guest artists, praised both bands for their originality and craftsmanship. After deliberation, The Violet Haze was crowned the official winner of the 2025 Music Prize: Battle of the Bands.
“We couldn’t believe it ended in a tie, and we definitely didn’t expect a second chance to perform,” said Violet Haze vocalist Brielle Matthews after the show. “This has been surreal. We’re honored, and we’re proud to be a part of Shreveport’s music story.”
The event served as a broader celebration of Shreveport’s creative community, with local vendors, food trucks, and arts organizations set up around the venue to engage concertgoers. The crowd included visitors from across the Ark-La-Tex and beyond, many of whom commented on the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
For Music Prize organizers, the tie-breaker turned into more than a competition, it became a platform for showcasing what the city’s music scene has to offer. With multiple genres represented and original content at the forefront, the event underscored Shreveport’s growing reputation as a creative hub in the region.
“This was about more than who won,” said judge and local producer Caleb Rimes. “It was about lifting up artists and giving them a spotlight. And based on the crowd tonight, people are paying attention.”
The Violet Haze will now go on to perform at future Prize Fest events and receive promotional support, studio time, and professional mentorship. River Ridge Revival, while not taking the top spot, was invited to return next year and will headline an upcoming regional music showcase later this fall.
As the crowd dispersed late into the evening, the message was clear: Shreveport’s music scene is alive, growing, and filled with surprises, and this tie-breaker battle was one for the books.
