It’s time to throw on your cowboy boots and finest attire for the greatest display of talent in country music in the Carolinas. Celebrating a decade of honoring singers and songwriters, the Carolina Country Music Awards is bringing the fun and the tunes back to North Myrtle Beach on Jan. 18 at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theater, located at 701 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC.
The red carpet event starts at 4 p.m. and the show at 6 p.m. General Admission is $29 and Preferred Sitting is $79. Unlock the ultimate experience with the VIP Fan Experience, featuring red carpet access, artist meet and greet, drink tickets, appetizers, and a CCMA commemorative t-shirt and collectors coin. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.carolinacountrymusicassociation.org/carolina-country-music-awards.
The Carolina Country Music Awards has solidified its place as an annual stable in the region, giving a stage and accolades to the area’s up-and-coming talent and industry veterans.
As always, the CCMA’s will be jammed back full of performers including Christopher Nelson, Velvet Rodeo, Garrett Huffman, and Julia Holden. With 24 acts set to hit the stage, the awards are a grand display of Carolina's talent. Executive Director of the Carolina Country Music Association and host of the CCMA’s, Christy “Sweet Tea” Andrulonis is over the moon about the performers, awards, special guests, new venue, and some new elements that will excite the audience.
“This year’s event is happening at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre. It’s the perfect setting for celebrating country music and the talented artists in our region. This year, we’re introducing new interactive
elements for attendees to engage with the artists and the music, as well as a revamped fan-voting component that gives fans even more say in certain categories,” Andrulonis explained.
The CCMA has 13 categories for artists to be nominated for and winners are chosen through a combination of fan votes and an industry panel. Andrulonis explained the process.
“Artists are nominated through a combination of industry recommendations, public submissions, and fan engagement. Winners are chosen based on a blend of fan votes and a panel of industry experts, ensuring a fair and inclusive process.”
A list of nominees can be found on the CCMA website. The Carolina Country Music Association has built a legacy with the CCMA and in its tenth year, they are proving why with the lineup of special guests slated to be in the building and perform. Sure to make waves and get the crowd going is Leah Seawright and Mark Herndon of the band Alabama. Also attending is Grammy-nominated, ACM and AMA Award winner, Ira Dean of Trick Pony.
The Blue Pickups Band, the CCMA’s first-ever Entertainer of the Year, will hit the stage for a full circle moment and a reminder of how impactful the CCMA are for the region's country music artists. This year’s awards will also see some new awards and recognition for people who are truly making a difference in the community, no matter how big or small.
Andrulonis said, “Special awards this year include Damien Horne receiving the Carolina Country Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award and Hall of Fame Induction. Damien and his band, [The] Magi, performed at the 2022 Dogwood Festival here in Fayetteville. Additionally, 7 Branch Arena from Robeson County will receive the ‘Sweet Tea Making A Difference Award’ for their fundraising efforts for western NC hurricane relief, local fire departments, and other non-profit organizations.”
The 10th Annual CCMA’s wouldn’t be possible without all the amazing sponsors. This year’s event sponsors include Bryan Honda, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville Public Works Commission, Healy Wholesale, Law Tigers, and Bill Bowman, publisher of Up and Coming Weekly.
“Their support is invaluable in making this event happen,” Andrulonis said.
Andrulonis’s (“Sweet Tea” to those who know and love her) passion for the awards is proven year after year in the care and detail that she puts into bringing this massive event from paper to stage.
“Music has always been a passion of mine, and leading the CCMA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. My husband, Jeff Andrulonis, and I have nearly 30 years of experience in radio ownership, specializing in country music and classic rock. Together, my husband and I have built a network that connects listeners to the music they love while supporting the artists who make it. It’s been an incredible journey watching the CCMAs grow from an idea to the vibrant celebration it is today.
"We always hoped it would become a platform for artists to shine, but the success and community support have exceeded our wildest dreams. Each year feels like a step toward honoring the heart and soul of country music in the Carolinas. I’d like to thank the entire Carolina Country Music Association team, our incredible sponsors, and, of course, the fans who make this event possible year after year. Special thanks also go to the artists for sharing their talent and passion with the world,” Andrulonis said.
Next year’s event is already in the planning stages, “We’re already brainstorming some exciting ideas for next year, including expanded categories, bigger venues, and special tributes to the past decade of country music excellence. Stay tuned!” she said.
This year’s nominees can be heard on the Carolina Artist Showdown, broadcasting daily on 100.1 Carolina Country (Fayetteville), 93.9 Carolina Country (Myrtle Beach), and 106.3 Carolina Country (Wilmington) owned and operated by Andrulonis and her husband. Local artists can submit their music online at https://www.carolinacountrymusicassociation.org/https-www-carolinaartistshowdown-co.