The nomination process has begun for the 2026 Listen Up Awards. Click here to start nominating today! Nominate as many artists as you would like. Once the nomination process ends, the top five artists from each category will be selected as this year’s Listen Up nominee.
Click here to Nominate
*If an artist won a Listen Up Award last year, they will not be eligible for an award in the same category this year.
The Capital Region’s vibrant local music scene will take center stage as the Listen Up Awards celebrates its 5-year anniversary with a special two-day event at The Cohoes Music Hall on February 21 and 22, 2026.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday, February 21 with the Hero Awards Party, honoring the 2026 class of local music heroes. Doors open at 2:00 PM, and the celebration begins at 3:00 PM. The festivities continue on Sunday, February 22 with the 2026 Listen Up Awards Show, also beginning at 3:00 PM (doors at 2:00 PM).
This milestone event will recognize the artists, bands, and industry figures who have made lasting contributions to the Capital Region music community. After parties are planned for both nights, with locations to be announced soon.
The 2026 Hero Class includes:
The Daley Brothers Band, Stigmata, Blotto, Section 8, Kevin McKrell, Scotty Mac, Ernie Williams and The Wildcats, Eddie Angel, Peter Islen, George Guarino, Jim Furlong, Tess Collins, The Deadbeats, Deb Cavanaugh, Alex Torres, Matt and Tom of Parkway Music, Joe Mele, Vito Ciccarelli, 1313 Mockingbird Lane, and Tom Flynn, DJ Youngwise.
Live performances for both nights will be announced in the coming weeks, promising another unforgettable celebration of the region’s creativity and community spirit.
Event Details:
February 21, 2026: Hero Awards Party — 3:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
February 22, 2026: Listen Up Awards Show — 3:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
Venue: The Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, NY
About the Listen Up Awards:
Founded in 2021 by Radio Radio X and Mirth Films, the Listen Up Awards honors excellence and achievement in the Capital Region’s music scene, spotlighting the artists, venues, and industry professionals who keep the local sound alive and thriving.
