On Saturday, April 18, the New England Music Awards sold out Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxboro. Bands and musicians from all over New England were there to perform and celebrate the fact that no matter what, each and every one of them had been recognized for their contribution to the music industry.

Special awards were given to Chris DeSimone who received the Scene Award which is given to a person or organization for their dedication to the New England music scene. The Grassroots Award was given to Grace Morrison who has shown a dedication to humanitarian causes. The Decade Award was given to Chip McCabe who has been a staple of the New England music industry.

Comedian, Dave Russo was the evenings host and there were live performances by the Willie J. Laws Band, Little Ugly, We Were Astronauts, Amy and the Engines, Sarah Barrios, Joey Batts and Them, Ben Knight, and Pat and the Hats.

Here are a list of the winners, but I say, every one of them are winners.

Band of the year - The Shana Stack Band

Album of the year - National Throat by artist, Will Dailey

Song of the year - Sunken Ship by artist, Will Dailey

Producer of the year - Brian Coombes

Songwriter of the year - Elison Jackson

Male performer of the year - Dan Blakeslee

Female performer of the year - Anna Lombard

Live act of the year - Aldous Collins Band

New act of the year - West End Blends

Roots act of the year - Dusty Gray Band

Country act of the year - North of Nashville

Pop act of the year - Pat and the Hats

Rock act of the year - We Were Astronauts

Jazz act of the year - Los Sugar kings

Blues act of the year - Mr Nick and Dirty Tricks

Hip Hop act of the year - Lady Essence

Metal act of the year - A Simple Complex

Best in States:

Massachusetts - High Hopes Band

Maine - Hilton Park

Rhode Island - The Rare Occasions

New Hampshire - Gretchen and the Pickpockets

Vermont - The Vacant Lots

Connecticut - The Meadows Brothers