03/02/2024
Voting opens tomorrow, 2/4! Make sure you get your votes in for your favorite artists.
See you there!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. When does fan voting begin?
Voting will take place from Sunday 2/4 to Tuesday 2/13. There will be an online voting link posted on 2/4.
2. Does the fan voting solely determine the winners?
No; in order to ensure that the CPMAs are not a popularity contest/people’s choice award, the 40+ members of the Board of Directors (and Advisory Committee) vote. Each member will vote once per category. The fan vote only comprises a portion of the total vote.
3. What criteria is used to evaluate eligible acts as potential nominees and winners?
Members of both the CPMHOF Board of Directors and Advisory Committee explore all known acts. Most acts are nominated by fans/family/friends (during the nomination period) to ensure that they are on our radar. Overall content/résumés are reviewed exclusively for the previous calendar year to determine which acts are among the best in their respective genre. Factors that elevate consideration are as follows (but not limited to): Did the eligible act release an EP, album, song, video in 2023? Did the eligible act open for any national acts? Did the eligible act tour? Did the eligible act perform at high profile venues? Did the eligible act have a strong schedule? Did the eligible act get signed? Did the eligible act grow in number of followers, YouTube/video views, reverbnation status, Spotify monthly listeners, etc.? Did the eligible act have a strong social media/marketing presence? In summary, was/is the eligible act's overall quality of talent and content among the finest in our area? No one of these factors solely determine a winner; consideration is all-encompassing.
When members of the Board and Advisory Committee cast their votes to help determine the winners, all are encouraged to research all acts to vote on every category. Each voting member analyzes what the eligible act accomplished in the previous calendar year--not over the eligible act's career. In other words, who's the best...that had an outstanding year?
In an attempt to avoid any conflicts of interest, each voting member cannot vote for themselves/their own business, a band they're in, someone they manage, or an act that they have any vested interest in, etc.
As a non-profit organization, voting is designed to be conducted fairly and with the utmost of integrity.
4. Must the nominees be present to win?
The expectation is for all nominees to be present for the awards ceremony. This is a red-carpet event all for YOU! There will be press, photographers, and interviewers present to capture you in your best attire. While there is not a “formal” dress code requirement, dressing “to the nines” is encouraged. After all, these are the local Grammy’s, and it’s our local music scene’s biggest night to celebrate!
5. Will there be additional award categories added?
We’ve received countless ideas for additional categories, that may be included and implemented in the future. We have also implemented "SPOT Awards," which are for acts/entities who deserve recognition for outstanding achievement throughout the calendar year--but who do not have enough fellow nominees to create a full competitive category. "SPOT Awards" can be different categories each year. "SPOT Award" receive a certificate of excellence.
6. Will there be live performances at the awards ceremony?
Yes; the live performances can be a combination of the Hall of Fame inductees themselves or even featured local artists honoring the year's inductees into the Hall of Fame.
7. Will there be an opportunity to present an award?
Each award will be presented by a sponsor. This will give a local business the opportunity to sponsor – say the “Best NEW Artist” award – and present the award on stage. Each of these sponsors will be a “Diamond Sponsor.” This level of sponsorship means that they can have someone from their company (or request a local artist to speak on their behalf) to approach the microphone, provide up to a 30-second video “commercial," read off the names of the nominees, and ultimately announce the winner in that category. The sponsorship level will also receive on-screen advertising both in the theatre. There are also Gold Sponsor opportunities—which will provide on-screen advertising (in the theatre and) and a thank you in the event program/social media.
If you know of a local business that would be interested in sponsoring an award and advertising to the area’s best musicians and fans, please have them private message us or reach out via email at [email protected].
Remember, the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, so each sponsorship is a donation to assist in funding the event and providing music educational services to the local youth.
8. What time do doors open at the ceremony?
5:00pm for the red carpet preshow—open to all! There will be photo backdrops, press, a red carpet video interviewer, vendors, etc.!
9. What time is the event?
7pm
10. Are there still tickets available?
Yes; https://www.ticketmaster.com/5th-annual-cpmas-hof-induction-ceremony-hershey-pennsylvania-03-28-2024/event/02005F78E1C761B2?irgwc=1&im_rewards=1&clickid=0sm1qfTQLxyPTh2WdAyjIXUIUkH2JL0luXIZ3k0&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_390418&impradid=390418&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat390418&wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_390418&utm_source=390418-Wildfire%20Systems&impradname=Wildfire%20Systems&utm_medium=affiliate&ircid=4272
11. Do nominees get complementary tickets to the ceremony?
All nominees are encouraged to purchase floor (orchestra level) seats, so they are able to approach the stage if announced as a winner. These seats are provided at a discounted rate ($30) compared to the upper loge and balcony seating.
As a non-profit, we are unable to offer complementary tickets to nominees. With that said, we hope the value, support, and opportunities that we provide throughout the year far exceed the ticket price. The ticket price is set to be affordable and cover the cost of the theatre rental, full production (including audio/visual), green room amenities for the inductees, accommodations, awards, etc.
Keep in mind, whether you are a nominee or not, all are invited to the ceremony to walk the red carpet, attend the ceremony, and celebrate each other’s successes!
12. Is there a dress code?
Formal evening wear or “best stage performance attire” is encouraged, but not required. Ultimately, you do you! Some will be dressing to the nines in elegant gowns and suits, others will be in jeans and a t-shirt.
13. Will there be a bar?
Yes; there will be a cash bar.
14. Is there a pregame party?
Yes; 2-5pm at Midstate Distillery at Hershey Fresh Market!
15. Where do I park?
There is a free parking lot at the Hershey Theatre.
16. What if I win an award?
Quickly, but safely, make your way to the stage. There will be stairs on the left side of the stage. You’ll be handed your award, and we politely ask you to limit your acceptance speech to 30 seconds. If you go over, there will be play-off music (just like on the televised awards shows).
17. What if I don’t win an award?
Please stay positive. There are well over 100 different nominees, and yet only a handful will receive an award. Plus, as they say, there’s always next year. We hope the CPMAs motivates you in 2024 and beyond.
18. Will there be an after party?
Yes! The OFFICIAL after party will be held at The Englewood!
19. I’ll be traveling in from out of town; do you recommend any hotel accommodations?
Yes; the CPMHOF has partnered with the Hershey Courtyard Marriott (in close proximity to both the Hershey Theatre and the after party) for a discounted block of rooms.
