Kicking off the school year festivities, SCOPE Productions presented its annual showcase, Battle of the Bands. This year four bands from across the state of Iowa battled it out for a first place prize of $500 as well as a show at local Iowa City venue, Gabe's. The concert took place on August 23, 2026 at the IMU Amphitheater. 

Starting the school year with campus programming at 6:15, Half-Wit Moon, a five piece band from Cedar Falls, IA took stage. Falling under the Indie Pop or Rock with groove music, the band played many original pieces of work. The second band to perform was the four piece band from Racoon River Valley and the Des Moines area, River Styx. Capturing the ears of those interested in rock and blues tunes. 

Following the first half of programming, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids band Spirit Awake took the stage to present alt-rock original music as the third act of the night. The band worked hard to win the votes of many sitting on the lawn. The final act of the evening was local Iowa City band, Twin River Revivalists. Being a newer band to the local scene, this act played mostly indie rock covers as the sun set behind them on the river. 

After an evening of incredible performances, the votes were casted and Spirit Awake won first place, granting them the $500 cash prize and upcoming special performance. Stay up to date with their winning performance at Gabe's.