Eckhart secures opening slot for University of Miami homecoming
The five-member band won the Oct. 23 Battle of the Bands, beating out four other student acts in a competition hosted by Hurricane Productions.
By Rahul Garnier ·
Eckhart won the right to open the University of Miami's 2026 homecoming concert after claiming victory in the Battle of the Bands on Oct. 23.
The competition featured five student acts: 1848, Emma Garfin, GVMMY, Nine Pound Lemon, and Eckhart. Hurricane Productions hosted the event on the Lakeside Patio, offering attendees free Chick-fil-A and jersey giveaways. Hundreds of students attended the show, which included dancing and singing throughout the evening.
Eckhart's performance distinguished itself from the other entries. The band consists of lead singer Leo Fowler, drummer James Hurt, bassist Wil Eckert, and guitarists Jack Kimmel and Shane Devitt. They performed electric covers of Neon Trees' "Everybody Talks" and Wheatus' "Teenage Dirtbag." The source notes their stage presence is comparable to that of Ross Lynch and his band, The Driver Era.
The group is currently signed to Cane Records, a student-run label. They have released two singles, "Garden" and "Wait for Me," which are available on Apple Music and Spotify. Previous live appearances include shows at Tea & Poets in South Miami and the Tribe Tea Lounge in Broward County.
The selection process concluded with Eckhart taking the coveted opening position. The main headliner for the 2026 homecoming concert has not yet been announced.
Source: The Miami Hurricane
