The 34^el Annual San Diego Music Awards will take place on April 29 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. Open to the public, it’s the local music community’s biggest night of the year, with the area’s top musicians, promoters, radio DJs, and labels, as well as TV and media hosts, all coming together as trophies in 28 categories, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award, are handed out.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to legendary bassist Nathan East, who in addition to having an acclaimed solo career, and an equally famed history with his band, Fourplay, has gone on to be one the most recorded musicians in history. As a session player, the former Crawford High student can be heard on hundreds of hit recordings, working with everyone from Micheal Jackson and Whitney Houston to Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr.

East will perform at this year’s SDMA’s, backed by a band TBA, with other artists set to take part including The Tourmaliners, MohaviSoul, Euphoria Brass Band, Matthew Phillips, miniaturized, and Almost Monday. Funds raised by the ceremony, as well as the showcase concerts preceding the event, go to the Guitars for Schools program, keeping music instruction available for children K-12. Over its history, the organization has served over 91,000 K-12 students in 123 schools from the Mexican border to San Onofre.

“As great as the SDMA’s are as a gathering for the area’s musicians, it’s even more important that we’re helping the area’s kids have access to music education,” said event organizer Kevin Hellman. “I’m looking forward to the day one of the students we’ve helped takes home an “Artist of the Year” trophy, but in the meantime, it’s been wonderful to see so many students wanting to learn music, and we’re happy to help facilitate that”

How does it feel to be a nominated artist? “It is always an honor to be recognized by the SDMAs,” said guitarist Patrick Yandall (Best Jazz Album, “You Will Be Alright”). “I know there are so many entries every year, and I appreciate being included. The SDMA’s let people that live in San Diego see all the incredible musicians here in our beautiful city. So many of us have been doing music for so long here, it’s nice to know that our music has an association like the SDMAs to recognize our hard work!”

Alec Peterson of hard rockers Cascade Effect (Best Rock or Indie /Alternative Song, “Suffering In Silence”) concurs. “It’s an amazing feeling to be acknowledged alongside so many talented artists in the local scene,” said. “San Diego has such a diverse and vibrant music community, and to be considered among the best is both humbling and inspiring. This nomination not only motivates us to keep pushing forward but also allows us to bring more attention to our music and the hard rock and metal scene in San Diego as a whole.”

For Yandall, the SDMA’s are a unique opportunity to be in the company of likewise musically inspired people. “I always enjoy being around others who have a love of music, the process of creating our art, the hardships that come with it,” he said. “It’s great to look around at the awards and know I’m not alone in my passion for creating.”

Meanwhile, guitarist John January (Best Blues Album, “True”) considers the SDMA’s a must for local musicians to attend. “The SDMA’s offer higher visibility for local musicians, and general enthusiasm for San Diego’s music scene,” he said. “And, perhaps an impetus to reach higher in the quality of the music we produce. Not to mention the charity which provides guitars for local kids. I’m all on board for that.”

While being nominated for an SDMA is an important accolade in itself for musicians, Peterson notes the event offers opportunities beyond a trophy for a mantelpiece. “Being surrounded by so many creative and passionate individuals is truly inspiring,” he said. “It’s a chance to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships with others who are just as dedicated to their craft. We’re especially eager to connect with musicians from different genres, learn from their journeys, and explore potential collaborations.”

He points out that there are many aspects of the San Diego Music Awards, all adding up to what promises to be a memorable evening. “Beyond networking, we’re also excited to experience live performances, cheer on our fellow nominees, and immerse ourselves in the energy of the night,” Peterson said. “It’s not just about the awards — it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate the incredible music coming out of San Diego. No matter the outcome, we’re honored to be part of this event and can’t wait to soak in every moment of it.”

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