Eight Alexandria musicians named finalists for 37th annual Wammie Music Awards
Local artists earn 11 combined nominations spanning funk, rock, classical, pop and more ahead of March 28 ceremony
Eight Alexandria-based artists have been named finalists in the 37th annual Wammie Music Awards, the DMV region’s largest live-music awards show, organizers announced this week. The local musicians were selected from an original pool of 14 Alexandria nominees, surviving a public voting round that drew nearly 1,000 ballots.
The finalists will compete for awards across 11 categories at the ceremony on Saturday, March 28, at Capital Turnaround, 700 M St. SE, Washington, D.C. The event, produced by the MusicianShip — a nonprofit that provides free after-school music education for youth — marks the return of the Wammies after a two-year hiatus and will celebrate the best of DMV music from both 2024 and 2025 in a single evening. Winners will receive a limited-edition “Double Wammie” trophy, with more than 50 awards slated for presentation over the course of the night.
Among the Alexandria finalists, rock outfit Kinda Evil leads the pack with three nominations: best rock album for “Hard To Believe,” best hard rock/metal song for “Your Tricks” and best punk song for “Honeybears.” Musician George Katsos, who helped rally support for the Alexandria nominees, earned two nods — best inspirational album for “EPI” and best classical album for “EPC.”
The remaining Alexandria finalists span a range of genres that reflect the city’s musical diversity. Madz earned a nomination for best funk song with “Feel The Vibe,” while Jason Masi is also up for best funk song with “Pretty.” Jay Columbus is a finalist for best electronic/techno song with “Wanna Go,” and #MalNoCrawford earned a spot in the best rap/hip-hop artist (group) category. Content Johnson, featuring Orin Richards, is nominated for best world/global song with “Give Thanks for Christmas (Soulful House Mix),” and Lena Traynham rounds out the Alexandria contingent with a best pop album nomination for “twenty somethin’.”
A big night for DMV music
The evening will feature a red carpet livestreamed by WUSA-9, followed by featured performances, award presentations and honoree recognitions. Nina Brown and Allison Seymour will co-host the ceremony, which this year carries the theme “Life, Legacy & Lyrics.”
Among the night’s honorees is Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and WHUR 96.3’s “The Quiet Storm” host Raheem DeVaughn, recognized for both his musical contributions and his continued commitment to the community. A week of free panels and performances will precede the ceremony, with details to be announced.
Tickets are available now through Zeffy, with general admission at $50 and VIP admission at $125. VIP includes priority entry, reserved seating, access to VIP-only areas and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. For tickets and more information, visit wammies.org.
Alexandria’s 2026 Wammie finalists at a glance
Kinda Evil — Best rock album, “Hard To Believe”
Kinda Evil — Best hard rock/metal song,
“Your Tricks” Kinda Evil — Best punk song,
“Honeybears” George Katsos — Best inspirational album,
“EPI” George Katsos — Best classical album,
“EPC” Madz — Best funk song,
“Feel The Vibe” Jason Masi — Best funk song,
“Pretty” Jay Columbus — Best electronic/techno song,
“Wanna Go” #MalNoCrawford — Best rap/hip-hop artist (group)
Content Johnson (ft. Orin Richards) — Best world/global song,
“Give Thanks for Christmas” Lena Traynham — Best pop album, “twenty somethin’”