Capital Region Music Scene Takes Center Stage at 2026 Eddies Awards 

SCHENECTADY (April 26) — The Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards shines a spotlight on the artists, music professionals, and organizations — past and present — shaping the Capital Region’s ever-evolving music scene. Hundreds of individuals, groups, and companies working in the artistic, technical, managerial, media, and support areas of the Capital Region music industry are nominated every year. 

For its eighth year, the Eddies Awards was on the MainStage at Proctors 6 p.m Sunday, April 26, to an audience of local music lovers and performers. Co-presented by WEXT, the 2026 Eddies honored more than 190 finalists across over 30 categories, recognizing outstanding work released and performed throughout 2025.  

The process started with a public nomination window this year where music lovers and fans had a chance to add to the initial nomination pool. Final nominees and award recipients are selected by a panel of judges representing the local music community. To support a thoughtful and informed process, judges are provided with the Local 518 Music (and more) Reports — a comprehensive, quarterly record of releases in the Capital Region produced by Andy Gregory at WEXT since 2012. These reports help ensure that the depth and diversity of work across the region is fully considered. 

“The Eddies are about more than just trophies; they are about amplifying and empowering the incredible talent we have right here in our own backyard,” says Gregory. “The Capital Region’s music community is diverse and active, and being able to shine a light on our local talent through the Eddies is important.” 

“The Local 518 music scene continually amazes me. There’s so much talent. And new music keeps upping the game. The Eddies is a great way to celebrate the musical achievements WEXT showcases throughout the year,” says Chris Wienk, WEXT. 

The ceremony featured performances from local musicians Oobleck, Mark & Jill with Brian Melick, Eric-Jon Tasker, Kuts & Kicks, Aila Chiar, The Erotics, and emceed by DJ Trumastr. The big winner of the night was Buggy Jive who won four awards: Solo or Duo Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Music Video of the Year for “What Do Y’All Know About Shakespeare?,” and Album of the Year for “Icarus Ascending.” 

The Eddies Awards also hands out two special awards celebrating local music pillars with a Merit Award. The Merit Awards are organizations, projects, programs, people, etc. who don’t fit in an already established category. This year’s recipients were the AMORAK Youth Program, which offers a variety of low or no cost programs for teens and youth in Glens Falls, and Bob Gamache for his creation and continuous work on Foodstock, bringing together great local musicians to raise money and collect food for local pantries 

Last month, the Eddies inducted new members into the Hall of Fame at a separate ceremony. This year’s inductees were Ernie Williams, The Heavenly Echoes Band, Jim Furlong, Dominick Campana, Eddie Angel, Lee Shaw, and the visionaries of The Van Dyck. The Hall of Fame is located at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. 

### 

Electronica Artist of the Year  
Architrave 

Punk/Hardcore Artist of the Year 
Millington 

 Metal/Hardrock Artist of the Year 
Gozer 

Live Production Crew of the Year 
High Peaks Event Production 

Record Label of the Year 
Upstate Records 

Music Recording Studio of the Year 
Blue Sky Recording 

Presenter/Promoter of the Year 
SUPER DARK Collective 

Radio DJ of the Year (terrestrial or streaming) 
Jeff Mo’rad – 102.7 EQX  

Arts Publication of the Year 
Metroland Now 

Music Journalist of the Year 
Kirsten Ferguson 

Music Photographer of the Year 
Ron Dacks 

Classical Artist/Ensemble 
Albany Symphony 

World Music Artist of the Year 
Heard 

RnB/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year 
The E-Block 

RnB/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year 
Tops of Trees 

DJ of the Year 
DJ Hollyw8d 

Party/Cover Band of the Year 
Off the Record 

Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year 
Camton5000 

Alternative Venue of the Year 
The Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant 

Americana Artist of the Year 
Laura Leigh 

Americana Artist of the Year 
Reese Fulmer & the Carriage House Band 

Solo or Duo Artist of the Year 
Buggy Jive 

Solo of Duo Performer of the Year (Covers) 
Jeff Brisbin 

Jazz Artist of the Year 
Dylan Perrillo 

Jam Band of the Year 
TV Doctors 

Blues Artist of the Year 
The Hammerhead Horns 

Country/Bluegrass Artist of the Year 
The Bluebillies 

Rock Artist of the Year 
The Jagaloons 

Pop Artist of the Year 
Shannon Tehya 

Alt/Indie Artist of the Year 
E.R.I.E. 

Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year 
Carolyn Shapiro 

Songwriter of the Year 
Buggy Jive 

Music Video of the Year 
Buggy Jive – “What Do Y’all Know About Shakespeare?”

Album of the Year 
Buggy Jive – “Icarus Ascending” 

Record of the Year 
SIRSY – “Stupid Little Heart”

Merit Award 
AMORAK Youth Program 

Merit Award 
Bob Gamache – Foodstock