Flying the flag for Dorset's unsigned music talent, Lighthouse is proud to announce the Original Music Awards will be held in the Concert Hall on Friday 19 January 2024.
Organised by Matt Black and Mel Berkhauer of Hangover Hill, the team behind the monthly Live and Unheard nights at Lighthouse, the Awards night on Friday 19 January 2024 will feature performances from regional artists as well as presentations across a range of categories.
“As the home of Live and Unheard, Lighthouse is the natural venue for the Original Music Awards and we’re thrilled to be able to stage them at one of the most famous venues on the South Coast,” says Matt.
“To be on that stage is like the pinnacle – we’re following in the footsteps of musical giants!”
In front of an audience of award nominees and their followers, the winners will be announced on the night and receive their awards on a fully dressed stage. Two of last year’s winners – solo artist Millie Watson and an expanded line up of Raygo Bloom will also perform 30-minute sets.
Nominations are open now on the Original Music Awards Facebook page and will close in the autumn before a panel of judges chaired by Dave ‘Chinners’ Chinnery of Rock Regeneration webzine meet to deliberate the winners.
“The success of Live and Unheard not only demonstrates the level of original talent there is in this region, but also the appetite of audiences to seek it out,” says Tim Colegate, Head of Programming at Lighthouse.
“Hosting the Original Music Awards feels like the natural next step as we celebrate that talent by offering musicians the opportunity to perform and participate in a major event on the same Concert Hall stage that has hosted legends from Michael Jackson and The Who to Oasis and Nick Cave.”
The Awards categories are:
Best Live Act
Best Band (3 Members or more)
Best Duo/Trio
Best Solo Act
Best Festival
Recognition For Venue Accessibility and Inclusivity
Best Lighting Crew
Best Sound Crew
Best Backstage Crew
Best Original Music Venue
Best Promoter
Alex JT Award (for overcoming the odds)
Best Recorded Work (Oct 1 2022 to Sep 30 2023)
Best Songwriter
Best Artist Under 18
Best Breakthrough Act
Best ‘Open To All’ Event
:: Tickets go on general sale on Friday 2 June from www.lighthousepoole.co.uk, or on 01202 280000.
(NC)