Below is the list of the 2026 Syracuse Area Music Awards Recipients. SAMMY awards are given based on the judgment of submissions sent to the SAMMYS Board by musicians in Syracuse and the surrounding area. Congratulations to the 212 artists that submitted 279 recordings! An independent panel of music industry professionals and educators from around the country, led by Jim Elenteny, reviewed the submissions and made their selections based on their merit within their genre.
Winners in each category are highlighted below. A complete list of all previous SAMMY winners can be found on our Past Recipients page.
And the SAMMY goes to…
Best Jazz
Bob Holz
Honoring Larry Coryell
Cheri Giraud
All My Tomorrows
Jeff Martin
Roots & Legacy
Jesse Collins Quartet
Soul Eyes
Salt City Voices 2025
Sweet Happy Life
Best Americana
Autumn Sun
Autumn Sun
Cielle On Solid Ground
Cielle On Solid Ground: 3 Song EP
Golden Soul Revue
Golden Soul Revue
J. Schnitt & the Colluders
Use Your Collusion
Jessie Elizabeth
To Go and Grow
Jack O Bocchino Spirit of The SAMMYS Award
Susan Coleman
Founder’s Award
Geoff “DeafGeoff” Herbert
Best Other Style
Grupo Pagán
POWER
Jeff Tripoli
Natural Habitat
Pocket Bandits
Nine by Pocket Bandits
Tom Rasely
Gallery
Best Jam Band
One Man. The Band
Peaks and Valleys
Slug
25
Tim Herron and the Great Blue
Lift That Stone
Transient Kicks
Begin Again
Vaporeyes
Still
Best Pop
Dan Volpe and the Drifters
Favorite Records
The Jess Novak Band
Tattoo
PHEN
KID
Best Hard Rock
Design/Fracture
ACCOUNTABLE
Masons Revolt
Camp
Sent From Beyond
Anaconda Da Vida
VØID EMPERØR
Marauders
With Teeth
1001
Best R&B
E Washington
Patiently Waiting
Tyjhier
Bloom Where You’re Planted
Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist
Jeremy Kennedy
Best Alternative
Boustrophedon
WINTER // STEEL (Remixes)
Clove
after everything
mistrials
The Culture Cool-Aid EP
Porch Couch
Free
Tame The Giant
Second Hand Sound
Best Country
Christian Parker, Earl Poole Ball, Patrick Cleary
American Cosmic Revival, Vol. 1: Back At Home (feat. Jaydee Maness)
The Dust Devil Band
Better With Age
The Endless Mountain Derelicts
Life Moves Fast
Harvey Fonda
Guild Songs
Jon Rogalia Ft. Whiskey Hollow Rush
This Side Of Heaven
Best Rock
4 Word Days
Just a Dragonfly
Dylan Michael
Lorem Ipsum
The Penetrators
High School Memories
Plastic Sunface
Good Intentions
violet.
with love.
Best Hip-Hop or Rap
Amier
Into the Abyss
Christenelle Diroc
The Cancer They Found 722
Christenelle Diroc
The Last Son
ENAJYRAM
Gas Can & Match: The Final Chapter
Trappin Quik
I95 MUZIK
Best Blues
The Shylocks
“A Highfalutin’ Blues Bender II” LIVE
Todd Shuffler with Mark Doyle and the Maniacs
Stoned and Lonesome, a Celebration of The Rolling Stones – Early Years
Best Single
AK Kastro
Played Like A Fool
Atlantus
Tired of Running
Brandon Gambill
Craving
SAME HUSTLE D-ROC
DO SHE LOVE ME
Zak G
Lines (Made To Be)
Community Spirit Award
Karen Mihalyi
People’s Choice: Best Venue
Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Co.
Sharkey’s Bar and Grill
People’s Choice: Best Event or Music Series
Animal for Animals
Virtual Voices with Allie Torto
People’s Choice: Best Academic or Musical Organization
Perform 4 Purpose
School of Rock
People’s Choice: Best Artist or Band
Allie Torto
ColdFront
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The Board of Directors would like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting this community focused event, which is produced by a dedicated group of volunteers and supported by grants as well as private and corporate donations.
