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.

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.

Our 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. Our 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 36 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.