New Mexico Entertainment, a monthly online magazine covering music, film, literature and the arts in New Mexico and beyond, announced its 2023 winners in a number of categories at a gala held on July 7th, 2023 at the Kimo Theater in Albuquerque.
Among the winners were event producer and Avakado Artists CEO Tom Frouge, AMCs Better Call Saul television series and Jazz, Blues and R&B vocalist, Hillary Smith.
The New Mexico Entertainment Magazine Awards celebrate events and entertainment for the community in New Mexico. Nominees for the awards program must reside within the state of New Mexico, provide entertainment at least 60% of the year and have a current social media presence. Final choices are not only based on votes.
In the past, the magazine has featured The Candyman Strings & Things in Santa Fe, events including Indigenous ComicCon, and venues including The Launchpad in Albuquerque while also reviewing concerts, comedy and more.
Here is a complete list of winners.
Top Annual Event
Night of the Living Cover Bands
Top Monthly Event
ABQartwalk
Top Event Producer
Tom Frouge – Globalquerque / Avokado Artists
Top Production Studio
Netflix Studio – ABQ Studios
Top Production – Film or TV
Better Call Saul (AMC)
Top Radio Station
104.1 The Edge
Top Radio Personality
Jackie, Tony, & Ryan – 100.3 The Peak
Top Theater Venue
Popejoy Hall / Popejoy Presents
Top Theatrical Production
Cabaret – Musical Theatre Southwest
Top Live Music and Performance Venue
Revel ABQ
Top Performing Arts Group
Clan Tynker
Top Drag Performer – Queen
Avery Martini
Top Drag Performer – King
Rusty Nutz, Drag King
Top Burlesque Performer
Mena Domina
Top Musical Artist or Group – Rock
Dust City Opera
Top Musical Artist or Group – Metal
Sorry Guero
Top Musical Artist or Group – Punk
All Thicc
Top Musical Artist or Group – Alternative
Thursday Marks Fall
Top Musical Artist or Group – Jazz / Blues/R&B
Hillary Smith
Top Musical Artist or Group – Hip-Hop/Rap
Lil Renzo
Top Musical Artist or Group – Funk
The Mango Cakes
Top Musical Artist or Group – Country & Western
Hooks & The Huckleberries
Top Musical Artist or Group – American Roots
Dirty Brown Jug Band
Top Musical Artist or Group – Reggae
Dre Z Melodi
Top Musical Group – Latin/Tejano/Global Music
Baracutanga
Top Musical Front Person/Lead Singer
Siobhaen Zgela – All-Thicc
Top Spoken Word Artist
Hakim Bellamy AKA Hakim Be
Top Stand-Up Comic
Zach Abeyta
Top Comedy Venue
Dry Heat Comedy Club
Top Comic Host
Carlos Medina
Top Art Venue
Meow Wolf
Top Artist
Caitlin Padilla
Top Photographer
Brian Spencer Photography
Top Author
George R.R. Martin
Top Bookstore
BOOKWORKS
Top Nightclub
Effex Nightclub
Top DJ
Glenn Buddhafunk Benavidez
Top Brewery
Bosque Brewing Co.
Top Restaurants
Franks Famous Chicken&Waffles
Top Chef
Chef Ahmed Obo