Asbury Park Music Awards
After a seven-year lay-off, the Asbury Park Music Foundation (APMF) has announced the return of the Asbury Park Music Awards. (It originally ran from 1993 through 2018.) According to the foundation, “the event celebrates the artists who keep Asbury’s legendary music scene alive while also raising funds to provide life-changing music education to under-served youth in our community.” February 20, 2026, at The Stone Pony, will be the next chapter of this prestigious award ceremony. Nominations are in including New Music, Live Performer, Artist, Musician, “The Gap Years Award” (recognizing music released between 2019 and 2024) and 30 other categories.
According to the foundation, “in January, a series of showcase events across Asbury Park venues will feature nominated artists. Final voting will combine input from the judging committee, fans, and follow musicians, culminating in the February 20 Awards show. Proceeds from tickets “will directly support APMF’s mission to provide life-changing music scholarships, in-school programs and mentorship opportunities that give every student a chance to shine.” APMF Executive Director Nancy Brady invites “sponsors, community partners and volunteers to be part of this historic return.”
From the APMF website: “Founded in 1991 by Scott Stamper and Peter Mantas of The Saint, the Asbury Park Music Awards have long been a cornerstone of local music culture. Known as “the Heart of the Asbury Music Scene,” The Saint closed in 2022, and this year founder Scott Stamper has officially passed the torch to APMF, with his full support, to continue the tradition. Now under the stewardship of APMF, the Asbury Park Music Awards celebrate the originality, creativity, and collaboration that define this community.”
For more information, visit https://asburyparkmusiclives.org/asbury-park-music-awards.