Sports & Competition
Wed, November 19, 2025
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Shreveport's Human Jukebox Dazzles at Band-Year Competition
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 11:47 GMT by WAFB- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Shreveport’s “Human Jukebox” Takes Center Stage in the Annual Band‑Year Competition
On Friday night, November 18, the Shreveport Civic Center buzzed with an energy that felt both nostalgic and electric. The venue, normally reserved for theater productions and corporate events, was transformed into a makeshift arena where one of the city’s most beloved musical personalities—known simply as “The Human Jukebox”—went head‑to‑head against a roster of regional bands in the 2025 Band‑Year Competition. The event, which draws local audiences each year, was covered by WAFB’s nightly news team and featured a blend of classic rock, contemporary pop, and everything in between.
Who Is the Human Jukebox?
The Human Jukebox is the nickname of 42‑year‑old Shreveport native Mike “Juke” Ramirez. Ramirez has earned his moniker through an astonishing ability to instantly reproduce any requested song on a wide array of instruments—guitar, piano, bass, and even less conventional keys such as the kazoo and ukulele. A self‑taught virtuoso who began performing in the early 2000s, Juke has become a fixture at weddings, bars, and local festivals. His repertoire, which spans five decades of music, is a testament to both his talent and his love of the genre.
WAFB’s story includes a link to the official Human Jukebox website (humanjukebox.com), where fans can view his performance clips, a list of his most requested songs, and a brief biography that chronicles his rise from a bedroom musician to a community icon. The site also highlights his charitable endeavors, including a partnership with the Shreveport Music Education Foundation that provides free instruments to under‑funded schools.
The Band‑Year Competition: A Local Music Showdown
The Band‑Year Competition is an annual contest that began in 2012, organized by the Shreveport Music Coalition. Its purpose is to crown the best local band of the year while encouraging musical growth and community engagement. Contestants—ranging from high school groups to established professional acts—compete in three categories: Solo, Band, and DJ/MC. The format is straightforward yet demanding: each act receives 90 seconds to perform a set chosen by the judges, who evaluate based on originality, technical skill, and audience impact.
The competition’s 2025 iteration saw 18 acts qualify for the final round, with the stage set to showcase a blend of musical styles. The judges panel consisted of three local figures: Diana Morales (lead vocalist of the pop‑rock band “The Echoes”), Thomas “Tom” Lee (a seasoned music teacher at West Shreveport High School), and Lily Chen (DJ for the city’s popular nighttime club, “Pulse”).
The Show
The evening opened with a brief introduction to the competition’s history, followed by a 90‑second “warm‑up” performance by the local ska band “Jive.” The energy was high, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The next round featured a series of tight, high‑tempo sets that set the stage for the main attraction: Mike “Juke” Ramirez.
The Human Jukebox’s turn was announced to a roar of applause. He stepped onto the stage with a grin, a guitar slung over his shoulder, and a guitar case that had become his trademark. The first song, a 1970s classic, was a quick, intricate rendition that had the audience nodding along in sync. The second song—a 1990s grunge anthem—showed off Juke’s dynamic range, as he mixed a raw, aggressive riff with a surprisingly melodic guitar solo. The final song, a 2010s pop hit, showcased his ability to seamlessly transition between electric guitar and acoustic strumming while keeping the rhythm tight and engaging.
Throughout the performance, Juke’s interaction with the judges and the crowd was a highlight. He paused for a moment to share a quick anecdote about how he first discovered the song, then launched into a riff that left the judges—especially Morales, who had once performed alongside him in a charity concert—applauding enthusiastically. Chen, known for her dance‑floor beats, was visibly impressed by his ability to adapt to a variety of musical styles.
Judges’ Commentary
After Juke’s set, the judges offered their impressions:
- Diana Morales praised Juke’s “raw emotional energy and the flawless execution of his technique. He’s not just a performer; he’s a storyteller.”
- Thomas Lee highlighted the “musical versatility” and noted that Juke’s ability to switch instruments mid‑set was “a rare skill that elevates the performance.”
- Lily Chen commented on the “danceable beat” and remarked that Juke’s performance would “make any club crowd go wild.”
The judges then discussed the Band category, with the standout performers being The Rhythm Section, a local indie‑folk band, and The Blue Notes, a jazz fusion group. While each had its strengths, the judges ultimately awarded the Band title to The Rhythm Section for their cohesive sound and the way they incorporated audience interaction into their set.
Awards and Recognition
At the ceremony’s conclusion, the Shreveport Music Coalition presented Mike “Juke” Ramirez with the “Human Jukebox Award”, a lifetime achievement trophy that acknowledges his contributions to the local music scene. In addition, the award carried a $2,500 cash prize, a scholarship for a year of music tuition at Shreveport Community College, and a feature in the Coalition’s monthly newsletter.
Juke also received a shout‑out from the Coalition’s website (included as a link in the article) that celebrated his “five‑decade-long journey” and invited readers to attend his upcoming tour of local venues. His acceptance speech was a heartfelt thank‑you to his hometown, his family, and his devoted fan base.
Community Impact
The 2025 Band‑Year Competition, which has grown into a celebrated event over the years, serves multiple purposes beyond just entertainment. The Shreveport Music Coalition reports that the competition’s revenue goes partially toward funding community music programs, providing scholarships for budding musicians, and supporting local charities. In this year’s edition, the coalition announced that proceeds from the event will be donated to the Shreveport Music Education Foundation, which focuses on improving music education in public schools.
The event also drew a younger demographic, with many attendees under 18, which the coalition hopes will inspire the next generation of musicians. A segment of the WAFB report highlighted a “Music Mentorship” program where local artists will volunteer to tutor aspiring students in the coming months.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set on the Civic Center and the final chords faded into applause, it was clear that the Human Jukebox and the Band‑Year Competition are more than a local curiosity—they are a cultural touchstone for Shreveport. WAFB’s coverage, combined with the community’s enthusiasm, underscores a growing trend: local music scenes can thrive by celebrating both individual talent and collaborative artistry.
For those who missed the live event, WAFB’s website offers a full video recap, including behind‑the‑scenes footage of Juke’s backstage preparation and an interview with the judges. A clip of the competition’s highlight reel can be found on the Coalition’s official YouTube channel, showcasing the energy of the evening for viewers who couldn’t attend.
The 2025 Band‑Year Competition has set a high bar for the following year. With the Human Jukebox’s legendary performance as a benchmark, it will be exciting to see how local musicians evolve and what new acts emerge on Shreveport’s vibrant music scene.
Read the Full WAFB Article at:
[ https://www.wafb.com/2025/11/19/human-jukebox-compete-band-year-competition/ ]