Every spring, the New Mexico Music Awards presents awards in over 40 categories to musicians, songwriters, producers, recording engineers, video producers and directors and other music industry pros in a Grammy style ceremony that features video and live performances from some of our finalists.
This year’s show will take place on May 17, 2026.
The Sandia Resort and Casino provides free valet parking and are offering a special room rate for our attendees. To obtain the discounted rate of $264 per night (an increase of only $5.00 over last year) you must book online by April 17 2026.
Guests may book online here: https://gettaroom.b4checkin.com/sandia/rlp/NewMexicoMusicAwards39thAnniversary
or by calling 877-272-9199 and asking for the New Mexico Music Award 39th Anniversary rate, Please reference Booking ID# 13225.
For those of you with Recreational Vehicles, the resort provides dry camp accommodations for a nominal fee. Call Sandia Resort Reservations at 877-272-9199 for information and to make a reservation.
The evening begins with a red carpet event and cocktail meet and greet at 5:00 where many of our producers, studio owners, engineers, songwriters, artists and other New Mexico Music Industry professionals get reacquainted with one another and share their successes over the past year.
Following the mixer, we will sit down to a sumptuous dinner starting off with a MARKET GREENS SALAD (gf, df) with baby heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, julienned carrots with dressings: Blood Orange Vinaigrette (gf, df) AND House-made Ranch Dressing.
Guests will have a dinner choice of HERB SEARED FRENCHED BREAST OF CHICKEN (gluten free, dairy free, nut free) rosemary demi-glace, herb-roasted potatoes and French green beans.
or
VEGETARIAN ENCHILADAS (vegan, gluten free) corn tortillas, black beans, corn, zucchini, yellow squash, New Mexico red chile sauce, Spanish rice, calabacitas (zucchini, yellow squash, corn.)
Each entree will be Topped off with a dessert choice of FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE (gf) with French cream
or
CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE and coffee service.
gf = Gluten-free; df = Dairy-free; VEGAN = vegan items are vegetarian and dairy-free
Disclaimer: Items are prepared in Kitchens where flour, dairy and other potential allergens are used.
Sandia Resort and Casino features
No Resort Fees
Complimentary Internet Access
Complimentary self or valet parking
Lavish bathrooms with soaking tubs
Seasonal outdoor swimming pool cabanas
Year round whirlpool and fire pits
18-hole Golf Course & Full Service Spa
Several dining options, from casual to fine dining.
The New Mexico Music Awards works to promote and encourage both amateur and professional artists, songwriters, producers, audio engineers and other music industry professionals through competition. The awards program educates with workshops ranging from copyright information to recording techniques as well as other educational endeavors related to music within the New Mexico community. The NMMA also works tirelessly to promote New Mexico artists and their music to a global audience.
The event takes place at the beautiful Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s premiere resort hotel and casino and features the Scott Miller designed Par 72 Championship 18 hole golf course set against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. Our guests also have access to other amenities including the Green Reed Spa, fine dining, entertainment and a world class casino that include casino and table games.
The event is engineered by our primary sponsor, Quickbeam Systems, who provide a us with the same sound and care as they do for top flight touring artists, with state of the art sound, lighting and video. We proudly tell our performers that they will likely never have better sound in their careers. Backline (the instruments and amplification provided for our performers) is provided by Guitar Center of Albuquerque, a sponsor since 2018.
Before the show, our guests dine on a three course plated dinner expertly prepared and served by the resort staff. The show kicks off with a screening of our video finalists followed by presentation of awards in over 40 categories that include awards for Best Recording Engineer, Best Vocal and Instrumental performances, best production in over 25 specific genres of music and the coveted Norman Petty Producers Award and Best of the Year.
Every year our awards ceremony is attended by the movers and shakers in the New Mexico music industry including Grammy, Nammy (Native American Music Awards) and Emmy recipients. In fact, many of our attendees are national and international artists, producers and engineers. For both professional and those just beginning their musical journey it is an opportunity to mix and mingle and learn from one another.
The program is a celebration of New Mexico Music in all of its forms, from Jazz and Blues to Bluegrass and Country and beyond. At 39 years, it is the longest running and most prestigious music awards program in New Mexico and is a model for other programs around the country. We love our New Mexico music and our awards show is just one way we show our appreciation for the people who make it.
The New Mexico Music Awards are sponsored by Quickbeam Systems, Guitar Center of Albuquerque, Tonewood Amp and Jason’s Music Publishing with additional support by, The Candyman of Santa Fe, High Fidelity Mastering, Grandma’s Music and Sound, Listen!NM, Two Pups Boutique, and Moonlight Talent Management.