Celebrating Community: An Introduction to the TN Music Awards
There’s a new show in town; Jackson, Tennessee, has been chosen to host the inaugural TN Music Awards.
The TN Music Awards is a red carpet event focused on fostering community feedback, supporting local music, and expanding entertainment. Nathan Hunnicutt, along with the Jackson Area Music Society (JAMS), has been planning an event like this with Jackson in mind for some time now. No stranger to event planning, Hunnicutt has developed awards shows in several different states prior to the TN Music Awards.
Hunnicutt spoke with JAMS about allowing the public to nominate artists and then vote in different categories, based on genres. The TN Music Awards is driven by the people’s choices and their dedication to the artists in their area. Awards categories even include the best local radio station and venue, which reflects how the West Tennessee area responds to and celebrates music.
Hunnicutt explained: “This is a chance for the public to say, ‘hold on a second—there’s some really good people around here, and here’s who they are. It really comes down to showing appreciation for the local artists.”
Eventually, Hunnicutt expects the TN Music Awards to naturally grow in size and recognition, expanding to statewide participation. However, Hunnicutt believes that West Tennessee artists will continually be represented in the list of nominees and Jackson will flourish as a result of the show. Rather than focusing solely on “winners,” the show will give awards to “recipients,” in order to encourage an attitude of celebration rather than just competition.
“The purpose is more to shine light on people, rather than to say, ‘Hey, you’re better than everybody else,’” Hunnicutt stated.
For its first year, the TN Music Awards will be held at the University of Memphis at Lambuth in the Hamilton Performing Arts Center (HPAC) building. As a red carpet media event, the show aims to spotlight bands, vocalists, radio personalities and stations, magazines, and venues. Additional music categories include Americana, country, gospel, rock, metal, jazz, blues, hip-hop, etc. Local artists such as The Skeleton Krew, Coopertheband, Valerie June, The Kernal, and many more are among the list of nominees.
Awards will be presented during the event when recipients are revealed, so make sure to come out and experience the event for yourself!
Olivia Skelton is the danger. She is also a writer, music aficionado, barista, and Union University graduate based in Jackson.
Header image by Kevin Adelsberger.
