Key Takeaways:
- The Central Pennsylvania Music Awards announced its 2026 nominees, featuring a variety of Lancaster-based acts.
- The show will be held at the American Music Theatre on March 4, with tickets costing $40.
- Fans can vote for their favorite acts from now through January 19 by visiting the CPMA’s website.
- Several Lancaster-based bands and musicians received nominations, including Hunter Root, Nail Bite, and Zoey Noble.
- The awards show is in its seventh year and is being held at the American Music Theatre for the second time due to construction at the Hershey Theatre.
Introduction to the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards
The Central Pennsylvania Music Awards announced its 2026 nominees on Wednesday afternoon, featuring a diverse range of talented acts from Lancaster and surrounding areas. The show itself is scheduled to take place at the American Music Theatre, located at 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4. This marks the seventh annual event for the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards, and its second year at the American Music Theatre. Tickets for the show are still available, priced at $40.
The Venue and Voting Process
The decision to move the show from the Hershey Theatre to the American Music Theatre was due to the ongoing construction projects at the Hershey Theatre, which began in 2025. According to Brandon Valentine, executive director and founder of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, the American Music Theatre impressed the organizers last year, and they decided to return to the venue. Valentine noted that while the Hershey Theatre is closer to their physical location, the construction work has affected the facilities that are crucial to the event. Fans can participate in the voting process by visiting the CPMA’s website and clicking on each category heading, which are underlined. The voting period is open from now through January 19, and fans do not need to sign up to cast their votes.
Lancaster-Based Nominees
Several bands and musicians from Lancaster County received nominations, showcasing the region’s vibrant music scene. Some of the notable nominees include Hunter Root, who is nominated for Album of the Year with his release "Crooked Home," Song of the Year with "A Pot Song," and Best Songwriter. Other Lancaster-based acts that received nominations include Nail Bite, SWAMPRAT & Thunda Khatt, Samaritan Snare, Jac Conner & Lu, Conrad Fisher, and Zoey Noble. These artists have been recognized for their outstanding work in various categories, including EP of the Year, Best Metal Act, Best Hard Rock Act, Best Folk Act, and Best Solo Artist – Female.
Additional Nominees and Recording Studios
In addition to the above-mentioned nominees, other musicians from Lancaster who received nominations include Leo DiSanto, The Wild Hymns, Corty Byron, the Bobby Law Band, Maya Talarico, Big Fat Meanies, Cabbage Hill, Apes of the State, and more. Furthermore, Lancaster County recording studios Atrium Audio, Right Coast Recordings, and Thornwall Studios also received nominations, highlighting the region’s thriving music industry. To view the full list of nominations, fans can visit lanc.news/CPMA2026.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Central Pennsylvania Music Awards is a celebration of the region’s rich musical talent, and this year’s nominees showcase the diversity and excellence of Lancaster-based acts. With the voting period now open, fans have the opportunity to support their favorite artists and contribute to the success of the awards show. By visiting the CPMA’s website and casting their votes, fans can help recognize the outstanding achievements of these talented musicians and recording studios. The show promises to be an exciting event, and with tickets still available, fans are encouraged to attend and experience the best of Central Pennsylvania’s music scene.
