Get ready to feel the rush of validation. Arizona, the moment has arrived for our desert country music scene to finally claim the spotlight it has passionately earned. This is more than an awards show; it’s the culmination of countless hours, road trips, and heartfelt performances. It’s the night we stand together to witness the ultimate validation of our community and the talent that surrounds us.
The Unforgettable Honor: Nominated by Your Peers
The journey to this stage was intense. It began with the entire Arizona country music community, artists and venues alike, casting their initial write-in votes for their favorites across the Grand Canyon State. This democratic process, rooted entirely in peer respect, whittled down hundreds of worthy contenders.
To every musician, every venue owner, and every DJ who has seen their name survive the intense selection process and land among the elite finalists: Take a deep breath and feel that honor! You weren’t chosen by a panel of strangers; you were lifted up by the very community you serve. This is your moment to be seen, truly seen, by the people who know your craft best.
For every artist, there is no higher recognition, no greater compliment, than the one received from those walking the same path. Your name being on this list means you aren’t just making noise-you’re making an impact. The excitement is building because these awards honor the entire ecosystem, ensuring no genuine talent goes unnoticed. The final votes are tallied, and the winners have been chosen by their peers, making this the most meaningful victory of all.
The Celebration: October 27th at The Stillery
Mark your calendar! On October 27th, The Stillery in Chandler transforms into the heart of Arizona Country, hosting the inaugural Arizona Desert Country Music Awards. This is the evening where the artists who have soundtracked your life step onto the stage to receive the recognition they have been chasing. Forget the history. This is about the future and the incredible artists who are ready to own it!
4PM-6PM Cocktail Hour with Meet and Greets @ Hilton Garden Inn
5PM-630PM Red Carpet Experience @ Chandler New Square (Outdoor stage by the Stillery)
630PM Pre Awards Entertainment
7PM-10PM Awards Show
10PM After party
**We kindly ask that meal orders be placed before the awards show-preferably by 630pm**
The Categories: Celebrating the Heart of Our Scene
We are thrilled to announce the champions in these essential categories who embody the passion of Arizona Country. Below are the top three nominees in each category, capturing all contenders who achieved the same ranking. The Top nominees in each category are already invited, but on October 27th, the ultimate winners will be revealed!
Entertainer of the Year
- Western Fusion
- Lacey Rashae
- Kruse Brothers
Best Live Music Venue (Northern AZ outside of Maricopa County
- Whiskey River Tavern (Prescott)
- The Museum Club (Flagstaff)
- Matt’s Saloon (Prescott)
Best Live Music Venue (Central AZ, inside of Maricopa County)
- Tom Ryans
- Stillery
- Roosters Country
- Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
- Handle Bar Js
- Foley Ranch
Best Live Music Venue (Southern AZ, outside of Maricopa County)
- The Maverick (Tucson)
- Rusty Buckle Saloon (Apache Junction)
- Duke’s Roadhouse (Maricopa)
Best Musician (Fiddler, Harmonica, Bass, Lead Guitar, Drummer, Steel Guitar)
- Kody Raine
- Donny Grub
- Brian Childress
Up and Coming Artist
- Lacey Rashea
- Kruse Brothers
- Colton Dawson
- Christian Warren
Best Outdoor Venue
- The Monastery Bar & Grill
- SanTan Flats
- Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon
Best Female Vocalist
- Shari Rowe
- Mandy Jean
- Lacey Rashea
Best Male Vocalist
- Nathan Dean
- Danny Austin
- Brandon Head
Best Group
- Western Fusion Band
- Nathan Dean and the Damn Band
- Kruse Brothers
Best Duo
- Young Country
- Kruse Brothers
- Boondocks
Best DJ
- DJ Trey La Trash
- DJ Real – Josh Peden
- DJ Caffine
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Home Bases
We aren’t just celebrating the stars on stage; we are celebrating the foundations that make the music possible. These are the stages, the dance floors, and the friendly faces that give artists a home and fans a reason to gather.
We are proud to honor the winners in the Best Live Music Venues and Best Outdoor Venue categories, who provide the crucial space where passion turns into performance. Like these vital venues, our generous sponsors are essential supporters who fuel our desert country community and make this entire event possible. They give us all a place to belong.
Feel the Rush
Who will feel the rush of emotion as their name is called? Whose dreams are about to become reality? We are counting down the seconds until we can lift our glasses and celebrate the triumph of our State 48 community! Cheers to putting Arizona Country Music on the map!
Last Updated on 10/22/2025 by Jodi Erpelding
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