The Steamtown Music Awards are back, baby — and only Weekender has an exclusive update on the return of the most anticipated night in the local music scene.

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s first award ceremony dedicated to recognizing the immense talent in the local music industry intends to be bigger, better and more inclusive, says event co-founder Joe Caviston.

Though the awards won’t be handed out until Thursday, September 17 at The V Spot in Scranton, there’s no need to wait to celebrate. Nominations will be announced Wednesday, July 22. The only place to find the complete list of nominees — for the first 24 hours — will be inside Weekender; unless bloggers poach the information.

“We expanded the categories — and added some — in response to feedback from nominees and local music artists,” Caviston said.

At last year’s inaugural event, DJ/Electronic Act of the Year were recognized together in the same category; now they’re separate, says Caviston. Americana/Jazz/Jam Act of the Year were also together, but are now separate categories for a chance to honor more of the region’s talent.

“We also wanted to recognize the music professionals who contribute to the local music community,” Caviston said. Awards added to pay homage include Radio Station, Music Journalist, Music Publication and Recording Studio of the Year.

All nominees — and supporters of the local music scene — are invited to celebrate at the announcement party. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 22 at Franklin’s Bar & Grill in downtown Wilkes-Barre. There will be live performances from Esta Coda, Mock Sun, Skip Monday and Strawberry Jam and an official reading of the nominees.

IF YOU GO

What: Steamtown Music Awards Nominations Announcement Party

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 22

Where: Franklin’s Bar & Grill, 53 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre

Expect: Live performances from Esta Coda, Mock Sun, Skip Monday and Strawberry Jam

Reach Justin Adam Brown at 570-991-6652

Steamtown Music Awards Nominations Party set for July 22

By Justin Adam Brown

jbrown@timesleader.com

Brandon Stuch, left, and Ryan Kenton performing at the inaugural Steamtown Music Awards in 2014.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_live-performance1.jpg.optimal.jpgBrandon Stuch, left, and Ryan Kenton performing at the inaugural Steamtown Music Awards in 2014. Submitted photo