BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Jan. 3, 2018 – Lehigh Valley Underground, the online publication and community organization serving the communities of eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, is proud to announce a total of 12 combined Lehigh Valley Music Awards nominations for 2018.
The nominations, spread throughout Fan Vote and Industry Vote categories for individuals and organizations alike, are in recognition of Lehigh Valley Underground’s work in the community, as well as the emerging presence of the organization’s 24/7 internet radio station, WLVU: The Sound of The Underground.
“Every year, the Lehigh Valley Music Awards process gives power to the people who comprise our music community to recognize those whose work is outstanding,” said Gerard Longo, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Lehigh Valley Underground. “To have Lehigh Valley Underground, WLVU, and its personalities recognized for our collective efforts is a tremendous honor, and speaks to the talents and passion of those who comprise our team.”
Longo was nominated individually for five awards, including Fan Vote categories for Outstanding Volunteer and Internet/Cable Broadcast Personality for his work hosting The Quinn Spinn, Mondays at 7 p.m. ET on WLVU. In Industry Vote categories, Longo received nods for Outstanding Music Supporter (Individual), Outstanding Music Reviewer, and Outstanding Music Photographer.
As an organization, Lehigh Valley Underground received nominations in two categories: Outstanding Music Website, in the Fan Vote category, and Outstanding Music Supporter (Organization).
Leading the way in nominations for WLVU: The Sound of The Underground is The Balcony Show, which received a total of four. In the Fan Vote, the show was nominated as an Outstanding Internet/Cable Broadcast, while hosts Ann Thatcher and Andrew Chervak were nominated in the Outstanding Internet Cable/Broadcast Personality category. In the Industry vote, The Balcony Show is also nominated in the Outstanding Music Supporter (Organization) category, while Thatcher receives a nod as a nominee for Outstanding Music Supporter (Individual).
“Ann Thatcher’s dedication and passion, both toward her work on The Balcony Show and WLVU as a whole, is a great example for all of us,” Longo said. “She and her team at The Balcony Show make WLVU proud, and are absolutely deserving of recognition for their persistent efforts.”
Rounding out nominations is WLVU Technical Director John Paul DeBard, who received a nomination in the Outstanding Music Producer category (Industry Vote).
Any member of the general public located in the Greater Lehigh Valley can vote in Lehigh Valley Music Awards Fan Vote categories, while Industry Vote categories are reserved for professionals – musicians or otherwise – who actively participate in shaping the region’s musical landscape. Voting is now open at lehighvalleymusicawards.org, and will continue through Wednesday, January 16 at 10 p.m.