MUSIC NOTES
San Antonio musicians face off in KLRN’s battle of the bands
IHONA brings down the house at KLRN's 2025 City Showdown.
While hundreds of international musicians are crowding the Capital City for South by Southwest, KLRN is flying the flag for San Antonio’s sound. The PBS station has launched its third edition of City Showdown, a digital battle of the bands capped off with a live face-off at Carver Community Cultural Center on April 7.
This year’s lineup features genres ranging from pop punk to conjunto and R&B to country. In a more playful version of the Hunger Games, the musicians represent the 10 City Council districts. The new addition of artists from Helotes, Floresville, and Windcrest represents more of KLRN’s 33-county viewing area.
This year’s talent includes:
District 1: Lloronas
District 2: Niko Felan
District 3: Jerry Deleon & Southbound
District 4: Marylynn
District 5: Fancy & The Fortunate Sons
District 6: Jed Craddock Band
District 7: Joe Zimmerle y Su Conjunto
District 8: Bella Fellows
District 9: Jorge y Leonnyy
District 10: J-Darius
Floresville: Kai FaKtor
Helotes: Perfect Season
Windcrest: Marc Sauceda
Each of the performers has submitted an original music video that will be judged by a community jury and “viewers like you.” Rankings are made through an easy drag-and-drop platform.
Four finalists will then compete at the finals on April 7, where the winner will receive a $250 H-E-B gift card and the respect of their peers. Last year, District 6’s INOHA won with its surf rock bop “Saturday Night.” (Fun fact: The video features SXSW up-and-comer mypilotis.)
Music fans can watch artist interviews, watch videos, and vote on KLRN’s website. Check out the sizzle reel for a taste of what’s to come.
