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New England Music Awards 2013

Melissa Almonor
Connector Staff

The second annual New England Music Awards will take place April 13 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Dennis Hennessy and Joseph Graham founded the awards show as a way of paying special homage to musicians that call New England their home.

The show is geared towards independent, up and coming artists on the brink of superstardom. The NEMA’s uses a special nominating committee consisting of music journalists, radio personalities, talent buyers, and record execs local to the area. The winners are then picked by none other than us, the people that making up this fine region. They include categorizes of many genres, as well as background credit to songwriter and producer of the year.

The most coveted and unique award of the night is a New England original. The State Awards recognizes each states individual musicians. It could also be known as “The Best of State.” The Massachusetts State Award nominees are McAlister Drive, The Brew, Animal Talk, Nemes, Abbie Barrett and The Last Date. Now with all of that going on what better place to celebrate such talented artists than right in the center of New England?

Literally, Lowell is just about smack dab in the middle of the region so it makes perfect sense. The city, similar to the awards show, is beginning to make a statement in the arts. “Lowell has a wonderful bludgeoning art and music scene,” says Joseph Graham. It’s for sure going to be a night to remember Graham is confident about that saying, “I am personally looking toward to the social aspect of this event, for one night the entire music industry of New England will come together, and in the age of text messages, emails, skype, and cell phones, it is rare for them all to actually come together.” He goes on to say “this is also part of the idea behind the event. Finally a chance to come meet all your Face book friends!” We will all get a chance, for one night, to put down the technology that’s been our only means of connection and connect in person.

There will be live performances by Adam Ezra Group, Hot Day at the Zoo, Sarah Blacker and many more. Any and all are welcomed with tickets ranging slightly from $10 to $15. They can be purchased at the Lowell Auditorium box office or online at nemusicawards.com. The theme of the night is “rock star” so dress in anything that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Show starts at 7p.m. running till 11:30 p.m. hosted by radio personality, Suzanne Tonaire.