New England Music Awards
The New England Music Awards are an annual award show. Bands and artists from the New England region of the United States are eligible for receipt of the awards. Nomination process. Recipients are selected through their recordings, appearances and reputation. The awards were created by music promoter Joe Graham and Sugarpop Records label executive Dennis Hennessey in 2011, and the first ceremony occurred in 2012. The nominating committee consists of music journalists, radio personalities, record label executives and talent scouts. Event coordinator Mike Flynn says "when you take New England as a whole and look at  all the amazing music and talent that's out there, it's mind blowing," adding "putting that talent together under one roof also helps some artists get recognition that they might not have had before." History. 2012 awards. The inaugural 2012 New England Music Awards were held at Boston Hard Rock Cafe, on March 9, 2012. 2013 awards. The 2013 New England Music Awards were held at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. The event was moved to accommodate all ages and an anticipated larger crowd. 2014 awards. The 2014 New England Music Awards were held at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, on February 22 , 2014. The ceremony began at 7 P.M., and coincided with the Lowell Winterfest. It was hosted by comedian Steve Sweeney, with performances by Nemes, the Mallett Brothers, Hayley Sabella, Dressed for the Occasion and Sarah Borrello. 2015 awards. The 2015 New England Music Awards were held at Showcase Live, on April 18, 2015. Boston Comedy Festival winner David Russo hosted the event, and the live performers were We Were Astronauts, Amy & the Engine, Pat & the Hats, the Willie J. Laws Band, Ben Knight and Sarah Barrios. 2016 awards. The 2016 New England Music Awards were held at Blue Ocean Music  Hall. The ceremony began at 7:30 P.M. 2017 awards. The 2017 New England Music Awards were held at Showcase Live, on April 29, 2017. Bands that performed were Cold Engines, Sygnal to Path and the Balkun Brothers, and the event closed with a tribute to Prince by the band Love Sexy. 2018 awards. The 2018 New England Music Awards were held at Mixx 360, on September 8, 2018.