The NELA Music Awards, established in 2015, are an annual event designed to celebrate and recognize the exceptional musical talent of northeast Louisiana. This People's Choice Awards Show allows the public to nominate and vote for their favorite artists across various music genres. Tickets for the event can be purchased at nelamusicawards.com.
The 2024 NELA Music Awards show will take place on Thursday, August 15 at the Monroe Civic Center from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. This event promises to be a grand celebration of the region's musical prowess, with numerous awards being presented and captivating performances by esteemed musicians such as Mike McKenzie, Red Flags, Sanctuary Quartet, Jordan Sheppard and the Cypress Knees, Message from Mercury, Main Event, Regina Rogers, and Mark Taylor and the Taylormade Band. The evening will be hosted by Chancie Neal, Briana Calhoun, and Mark Taylor of Taylormade Band, with event production by Wayne Gentry of Showcase Productions.
Prior to the Awards show, an Art Reception will be held from 6:00pm to 7:00pm by the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, showcasing the works of local artists available for viewing and purchase. Additionally, Allegiance Health Management will host the Red Carpet, offering attendees the opportunity to have their photographs taken by Albritton Photography and participate in interviews.
In a special commemoration of the region's resilience and renewal, artist Gaye Auger-Laing will create a live painting during the 2024 NELA Awards show. This artistic representation aims to capture the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity, with the resulting piece being auctioned off after the show to support next year's music awards.
The event will also honor a distinguished group of Hall of Fame inductees who have made significant contributions to the musical heritage of Northeast Louisiana. Notable individuals to be honored this year include Webb Pierce (Posthumously), Fred Carter Jr. (Posthumously), Robert Finley, Kenny Bill Stinson, Carl Bamburg (Posthumously), Andy Griggs, Ivory Joe Hunter (Posthumously), Mable John (Posthumously), Ivy Robinson (Posthumously), Mike McKenzie, and James Pastell (Posthumously).