MEDIA RELEASE: ezEvent and First Night Hartford announce an open call for a Battle of the Bands contest
HARTFORD, CT — On December 4, 2025 the doors will open at 6:00 p.m. at Arch Street Tavern for an unforgettable night of live music and local talent as ezEvent and First Night Hartford present a Battle of the Bands contest for a high-energy showcase celebrating creativity, community, and the vibrant Hartford music scene. Five up-and-coming Connecticut bands will take the stage to compete for the grand prize: a paid $1,000 performance slot at First Night Hartford 2026 thanks to ezEvent’s partnership with First Night Hartford this year. This annual celebration of arts and culture draws thousands to downtown Hartford each New Year’s Eve, giving the winning band a major opportunity to perform for a large and diverse audience.
The competition will be judged by a panel of four local experts with extensive backgrounds in music performance, production, and live entertainment. Bands will be evaluated across five categories: musicianship, songwriting, stage presence, audience engagement, and a “WOW” factor, capturing the essence of what makes a performance truly unforgettable.
Adding to the excitement, fans will also have a voice in the competition. Through the ezEvent platform, audience members will be able to cast a Fan Vote for their favorite act of the night. This extra vote will be counted to the overall score that the judges give, and might even change the outcome of the entire night.
Jeremy Lorch, Business Development Manager at ezEvent shared the "I work with ezEvent helping independent organizers and venues get the most out of our ticketing platform. Being a local musician myself, I’m passionate about helping the local music scene grow. I love making event planning easier and more accessible for the people who keep it alive." First Night Hartford’s inaugural Battle of the Bands is a stepping stone event for this year’s annual tradition in which the non-profit is trying to take the local arts and culture scene in the capital city. This year’s annual New Year’s Eve festival is set to boast a robust programming lineup that will include 2 fireworks shows, live music, DJ’s, comedy, art activities, a silent disco, and much more! First Night Hartford is showing that in terms of art and culture, we have everything we need right here in our city.
The link for musicians to sign up for ‘Battle of the Bands’ can be found at the button below:
Event Highlights
Live performances from five talented Connecticut bands
Expert judging panel evaluating artistry and stagecraft
Fan voting powered by ezEvent for audience participation
Grand Prize: A paid $1,000 performance slot at First Night Hartford 2026
Food, drinks, and great vibes at one of Hartford’s favorite live music venues
About ezEvent
ezEvent is an independent ticketing platform designed to make event management simple and seamless for promoters, venues, and organizers. From ticket sales to audience engagement, ezEvent provides tools that empower creators to focus on what matters most — delivering unforgettable live experiences.
About Arch Street Tavern
Arch Street Tavern is a landmark in Hartford’s music scene, known for hosting local and touring acts in an intimate, energetic setting. With its full restaurant and bar, it’s a cornerstone of Hartford’s downtown entertainment district.
About First Night Hartford
First Night Hartford is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the arts and community through inclusive, family-friendly cultural events. The organization hosts two major annual traditions — its namesake New Year’s Eve celebration and the Hartford Bonanza Independence Day celebrations — bringing tens of thousands together in downtown Hartford to experience live performances, art, and community connection. Learn more at firstnighthartford.org.
Media Contact:
Jeffrey Devereux
Executive Director
First Night Hartford
Firstnight.hartford@gmail.com