The San Diego Music Awards take place on May 6 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, but first up San Diego music fans have the opportunity to check out some of the nominees in a series of showcase concerts taking place from April 10 through April 24 at different venues around San Diego. As with the SDMA’s, proceeds from these events also go to the San Diego Music Foundation and the Guitars For Schools Program.
- Friday, April 10, 7 pm – Six String Society Presents
California Center for the Arts, Escondido:
Rebecca Jade, Kimmi Bitter, Jesse Ray Smith
- Sunday, April 12, 3 pm – Tim Pyles Presents
The Casbah, Little Italy:
Tamar Berk, The Reckless, The Farmers, Go Scarlet
- Friday, April 18, 8 pm – Americana Showcase
The Kensington Club, Kensington:
Sara Petite, Chloe Lou, Sutton James, Ashley E. Norton, Lissa D, Stucky Leigh, ZB Savoy, Jonny Wagon, Thea the Band, Cathryn Beeks, Marie Haddad and more
- Sunday, April 19, 6:30 pm – Six String Society Presents
The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach:
The Film Company, Anthony Cullins, Cassie B, The Brothers Burns, Zavala Sol, RM the Poet
- Friday, April 24, 8 pm – Pacific Records Presents
710 Beach Club, Pacific Beach:
Slack Key Ohana, Sandollar, Eric Sage, The Tourmaliners
- Saturday, May 2, 7:30 pm – Tim Pyles Presents
The Casbah, Little Italy
Agent 51, Beta 7, Slacker, Thee Allyrgic Reaction
“A scene is only a scene when we hang out together, so these showcases are a great opportunity for that, I just wish it happened year-round,” said Radio DJ and promoter, Tim Pyles, who will host the event at The Casbah on April 12. “We need to get it out of our system before the awards show, so people actually pay attention and don’t miss their category,” he said good naturedly. For his show this years he’s particularly excited “to bring together The Farmers, a legendary institution within our music community together with some fabulous female performers Tamar Berk and Go Scarlet, but if you’re not careful The Reckless may steal the show, don’t sleep on The Reckless.”
For B Reilly of The Film Company (Best Indie/Alternative Artist, Best Indie/Alternative Album), it’s the sense of community that makes the SDMA’s so appealing. “I love that is takes all these different scenes and throws them together for the night,” he said. “You’ll be chatting with the guys from Mistress 77 and then Kimmi Bitter walks by like she isn’t dominating nationally. One min you’re hanging with Schizophonics and then you’re talking with folks from the Flim Flam Revue or listening to Rebecca Jade rule a live set. It’s a great chance to see how vast the music of this city is and to hear about all these different artists that literally live down the street, it shows we’re never alone. Reminds us that the get together is the priority. These 3rd places where we draw strength, make connections and learn more about ourselves, all in good company. And all to great music.”
Guitarist Deven Berryhill of surf rocker The Tourmaliners (Best Rock Artist) concurs. “Events like the SDMAs are important because they reflect the strength of San Diego’s creative community and culture,” he said. “This city has always been built with intention—from landmarks like Balboa Park to the vision behind the Zoo and the natural beauty shaped by people like Kate Sessions,” Berryhill continued. “That kind of environment naturally inspires creativity. It’s no surprise that such strong, original music comes out of a place like this. The SDMAs play a key role in bringing that talent into the spotlight, celebrating the artists who shape the sound of San Diego each year and strengthening the community around them.”
Heather Moonflower, guitarist with indie rock band Go Scarlet (Best Rock or Indie/Alternative Song) considers that “acknowledging artists for their work and passion is so important and the SDMA’s definitely acknowledges and encompasses much of the rich and vibrant music community here in San Diego. It is really neat to learn about this very large, yet close-knit community and build each other up, because, when it all comes down to it; we are all in it together. Having the Award Show really allows the community to acknowledge one another for everyone’s hard work and dedication. That goes for any kind of community. I am eating this whole experience up! It is so super cool to “find our (my) people.”
Singer Eric Sage (Best Video) appreciates that “the SDMA’s validate creativity and hard work. For emerging musicians, it can be a very helpful, especially for artists who may not always get mainstream attention. It can also spark conversations of important issues such as social justice, and being a positive force in our community.”
Guitarist Jerry Raney of music icons, The Farmers (Best Rock Artist), has observed an additional reason the SDMA’s matter. “The SDMA’s give recognition to artists for their crafts,” he said. “I find that important because some of them aren’t out in public playing for an audience, so they’re not immediately recognized, but deserve to be honored for what they do behind the scenes. Also, being that most musicians and writers aren’t getting radio airplay, the awards bring them to the forefront.” For his part, Raney’s favorite part of the SDMA’s is getting to see old friends. “It’s great that the money raised by the awards goes to music programs for the schools. I always look forward to hanging with people that I know but don’t get to see that often. It’s like a reunion. It’s nice to congratulate everyone and have the feeling that we’re all in this together. It’ll be fun to hang with (2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Steve) Poltz, as I haven’t seen the guy in a few years!”
Singer Carrie Zavala of Zavala Sol (Best Blues Artist) points out the importance of the SDMA’s mission of the Guitars in Schools Program. “I believe the SDMA events are important because it gives the music community a chance to raise money to put guitars in the hands of kids who might not be able to afford it,” she remarked. “It also allows us to encourage young musicians and hopefully make a change to put music back into schools. Personally, I was 1 of 6 children that my mom raised on her own. She always bought music instruments (with me it was keyboards), but had zero money for lessons and music was no longer part of a school curriculum. I had to learn by ear. If I had learned in school, it would have taken some financial stress off of a single parent trying to give music to her children. These events have raised a lot of money and have helped young musicians in the county.”
Singer-songwriter Tamar Berk (Best Pop Album) notes that “It’s always meaningful to feel like you’re part of something bigger—a real community,” she said. “The SDMAs bring people together in this shared love for music and art, and that energy is everything. San Diego has such a vibrant, diverse, and growing scene, and nights like this remind you of that. I’ve met so many wonderful people through this event. It’s one of those rare spaces where connection, creativity, and celebration all collide in the best way.”
What is she looking forward to the most on the afternoon of her Casbah SDMA Showcase? “I always love playing The Casbah—it just has that magic,” Berk said. “And I’m especially into these afternoon rock shows; I love that Tim Mays has been doing more of them. This showcase, put together by Tim Pyles—who’s such a key part of the San Diego music scene – feels extra special. I’m excited to share the stage with bands I’ve played with before and some I haven’t yet. There’s something really energizing about that mix. At the end of the day, it’s just the joy of playing music surrounded by great people.”
For Zavala, as a music fan herself, the SDMA ceremony itself is a wonderful chance to experience a lot of great artists at one time. “I’m looking forward to all the different genres that will be performing,” she commented. “I love music. Every type of music. It gives us a chance to see other musicians that we normally would not see doing blues festivals. It’s always fun meeting other nominees and putting on great shows together. It builds the music community and creates a lot of camaraderie that I really enjoy,” Zavala said.
Meanwhile, Berryhill looks forward to “connecting with other musicians and people in the industry, as well as experiencing the live performances from this year’s nominees,” he said. “There’s something special about being in a room full of people who are all contributing to San Diego’s music scene. With The Tourmaliners being nominated seven times and winning twice, we’ve been fortunate to experience how meaningful that recognition can be. It’s always an exciting and humbling night, and I’m grateful to be part of such a strong and supportive community.”
www.sandiegomusicawards.com
