Rhode Island will be well represented when the New England Music Awards return to Six String Grill & Stage in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday, November 15 at 4pm. The 14th annual celebration will feature live performances, awards in 28 categories, and a familiar voice to local radio listeners hosting the festivities.

Jessica Schiano, music director and afternoon host at 92 PRO-FM, will lead an evening recognizing independent musicians from across all six New England states. Smithfield-based singer-songwriter Lainey Dionne and Exeter band Another One Down! are scheduled to perform, while Cumberland’s Kara McKee is among the artists featured on this year’s ballot.

The annual gathering brings musicians, industry professionals, media members, and fans together to recognize the artists helping shape the region’s independent music community. For Rhode Islanders, it’s also an opportunity to cheer on local favorites while checking out performers from neighboring states.

Schiano plans to bring a little humor to her hosting duties. “I spend my days talking about music, so naturally, they decided to give me a microphone in front of an entire room full of musicians. What could possibly go wrong?” she says. “In all seriousness, I couldn’t be more excited to host the New England Music Awards and celebrate the incredible talent we have here in New England.”

This year’s ballot includes emerging and established artists from all six states. Along with McKee, featured nominees include Maine’s The Mallett Brothers Band, New Hampshire’s April Cushman, Massachusetts’ Will Dailey, Connecticut’s Gina Fritz, and Vermont’s Robber Robber.

Joining Dionne and Another One Down! on the performance lineup are REGALS, representing Maine and New Hampshire; Boston’s Bus Crush; Burlington, Vermont’s Blake Matteson; Hartford’s One Time Weekend; Boston’s FM Collective; and Hyde Park, Massachusetts artist Laroy Streat.

Previous NEMA honorees include Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The Elovaters, Adam Ezra Group, Danielle Miraglia & the Glory Junkies, and Dalton and the Sheriffs.

“The New England Music Awards exist to celebrate the incredible talent, dedication, and creativity that continue to make the New England music scene thrive,” said producer Lindsay Van Kauwenberg. “Every year, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on artists who are helping define the sound and future of independent music throughout our region.”

The selection process combines input from a nominating committee of music journalists, radio personalities, talent buyers, and record industry professionals representing all six states with public online voting and rubric scores for nominees. Doors open at 4pm, with the ceremony beginning at 5pm.

Author: Ken Abrams, Providence Music News
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