A long-awaited return to celebrating the vibrant music scene in the Lehigh Valley is set to happen this December. The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Regional Music Awards (ABERMA), a newly formed organization that has been in development for over two years, will host its first awards ceremony on Sunday, December 7th, at the Emmaus Theatre. This event aims to fill the void left by the Lehigh Valley Music Awards (LVMAs), which ceased operations due to the pandemic in 2020. ABERMA intends to honor regional musicians through approximately 30 award categories, featuring professional production quality and prestigious crystal trophies. Additionally, the gala will include performances from various musical genres.
The revival of such an event comes after a hiatus spanning nearly six years since the last LVMA presentation. Founder Sam Younes, previously a prominent figure in local music promotion, emphasized the importance of bringing back recognition for the region's artists. "We’re going to make it look like the real thing," Younes stated, highlighting the commitment to professionalism and inclusivity. Holly Hutchison, president of ABERMA and a seasoned advocate for artists, echoed this sentiment, noting that their mission revolves around showcasing and elevating the talents within the community.
Organizers are meticulously crafting the logistics of the awards process, drawing inspiration from the former LVMA framework. Nominations and voting are anticipated to occur in September, involving both industry professionals and fans. The geographical scope extends beyond Lehigh and Northampton counties, encompassing parts of Berks, Bucks, and Carbon counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. Categories will span multiple genres, including but not limited to rock, Americana, punk/hardcore, heavy metal, reggae, blues, jazz, folk, country, and bluegrass. There is also consideration for specialized categories like instrumental music and alternative rock songs.
Inclusiveness stands as a core principle for ABERMA, ensuring no segment of the music community feels overlooked. Cover bands, which predominantly perform renditions of popular tracks rather than original compositions, will receive dedicated recognition. Furthermore, distinctions will be made between venues catering to original music versus those favoring cover acts. Fan voting will play a crucial role in determining winners in certain categories. An advisory board may also assist in refining nomination processes, contributing valuable insights into each genre.
Gloria Domina, a former stalwart of the LVMA, provides essential guidance to the new initiative. Her involvement underscores the continuity and credibility of recognizing the Lehigh Valley’s contributions to music. Robert Audibert, owner of the Emmaus Theatre, expressed excitement about hosting the inaugural event, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance his establishment's reputation as a cultural hub. Tickets for the ceremony are expected to become available soon, priced affordably to accommodate a broad audience while maintaining intimacy, with seating capped at 250 public attendees.
Hutchison envisions this initial gathering as merely the beginning, setting the stage for future growth. By fostering a close-knit atmosphere, ABERMA hopes to inspire creativity and collaboration among local musicians. As Younes remarked, “Let’s grow,” encapsulating the spirit of rejuvenation and expansion driving this renewed focus on celebrating the Lehigh Valley's rich musical heritage.