NEW ENGLAND MUSIC AWARDS 2025 – SIX STRING GRILL – FOXBORO
By Ralph Beauchamp
Once again, on November 16th, John Fleming and Lindsay Van Kauwenberg hosted the 2025 New England Music Awards ceremony at the Six String Grill and Stage in Foxboro, MA. It was an exciting evening of celebration and camaraderie. The room was filled with amazing upcoming artists and music industry insiders. The New England Music Awards are always a barometer of the Northeast’s musical importance and integrity. It’s a lively gala held in an intimate setting conducive to friendship and animated dialogue. The cozy atmosphere reinforces the events core mission to spotlight the region’s homegrown talent, rather than chasing mainstream spectacle.
What is most prominent is the diversity of genres and musical styles that the NEMA highlights. From hard rock, punk, Americana and jazz to songwriters and producers, they have all found a home to nest in. The winners’ circle is a snapshot of the rich mosaic that is the New England music scene. All the while, breakout and underground-leaning artists and bands share the limelight with those a bit more established. It gives the affair a genuine “rising star + local favorites” vibe.
The presenters and hosts were also long time supporters of the NE music scene. The event MCs were Anne Brobst and Adam Lopez while the announcer was Marc Cregan. The three handled their duties with poise. The presenters were an eclectic bunch ranging from radio DJs to promoters and podcasters. WaveRadio Boston was well represented with Mike LaChance, station manager Pete Hudson and my cousin Rick Fleck all delivering important awards. Other presenters included David Avery of Powderfinger Promotions and Jim Belisle of Boots and Whiskey.
Photos Mark Turek
In addition, the acts that performed live were a microcosm of the the dynamic talent in the Northeast. Starting off with the stupendous Lila Wilde, the entire night was one brazen performance after another. Gold Hoax, The Fatal Flaw and Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North gave vibrant and inspiring sets. Other standouts included the ferocious JVK and the Nate Ramos Band. All the performances were spot on. Kudos to Aidan Reardon for providing excellent sound. The only criticism of the night is that the bands played way too long. A two or three song cap should be applied. This would have allowed the show to run a bit shorter and somewhat smoother.
Photos Mark Turek
Some of the night’s winners were personal friends of AMP. Second son, Frank Viele once again won for Album of the Year. Vic Steffens of Horizon Studios took away the well deserved Producer of the Year award. The Gravel Project garnished Blues Act of the Year. Bad Marriage took home the Hard Rock/Metal Act of the Year while The Moonrise Cartel grabbed Rising Star: Connecticut.
Other winners included Crooked Coast (Act of the Year), Nikki and the Barn Boys (Song of the Year), Hayley Reardon (Songwriter of the Year), The Far Out (Live Act of the Year) and Ruby Shabazz (R&B/Soul Act of the Year). Hip Hop Act of the Year went to SeeFour. To see the entire list of the winners, log onto the New England Music Awards website.
Photos Mark Turek
In the end, the New England Music Awards succeeds in what matters most. It offers a sanctuary where celebrating community, creativity and regional identity all take the forefront. For fans of New England’s diverse and impressive music scene, it renders a moment of collective pride and support. One that respects the roots of local artistry. If you are invested in New England music- mainstream or underground – the event reaffirms that there is real talent, depth and heart here.
While the New England Music Awards 2025 are a wrap, I, for one, am looking forward to next year’s foray.
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