NELA Music Awards

20/08/2024

The B.B. King Exhibit was amazing…

19/08/2024

The wonderfully talented Gaye Auger-Laing capturing the best moments of the 2024 NELA Music Awards. The painting will be auctioned off at a later time. All proceeds from the auction of the painting will help go toward expenses for next year’s show.

Watch the page so you will know when the painting will be up for bid!!!

19/08/2024

If you happen to be out and about, go by and thank Johnny’s Pizza House for their sponsorship of the 2024 NELA Music Awards!!! We are so thankful to have them as a sponsor!!!

19/08/2024

A big thank you to a new sponsor this year “ Thirsty Farmer” for coming on board for the 2024 NELA Music Awards. These fine folks always do their part to support live music in our area.

19/08/2024

We want to take time out of the day to again thank Landry Vineyards for their support of the NELA Music Awards. Jeff and Libby Landry have always supported local artists in the area. We are so grateful for their support of the local music community.

19/08/2024

The love of music can start at any age… just ask this little one who was enjoying the NELA Music Awards the other night….

18/08/2024

NELA MUSICIANS GIVING BACK

We have spent a lot of time making the business case to support our local artists and venues. Let me spend a few moments talking about artists giving back. It’s not unusual for artists to gather to host fundraisers for a family or friend with medical expenses or perform at a funeral. Out of respect, I won't mention any specific instances. Our venues and restaurants are right there with them.

During times of disaster, they come together to support disaster relief. This was the case in West Monroe following Hurricane Ida in 2021, when evacuees were in shelters with a variety of needs. Artist Jordan Sheppard coordinated with Main Street Director Adrienne LaFrance-Wells and the United Way to organize “Rock and Relief.” Alley Park adorned a golden glow from the evening sun as Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell kicked things off.

I will never forget Josh Madden 's interpretation of “Another Brick in the Wall” echoing down Trenton Street. Other artists included The Vidrines, Dan Sumner, Hidden Tracks, John Farmer, Jordan Sheppard and the Cypress Knees, Kirby Rambin, Monty Russel, and the Angel Oaks.

Most recently, I attended a performance at the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home. Mike McKenzie, Dave Gore, Cynthia Arender Machen, Tammy Martin, Timothy Free, and other artists gave a stellar performance for our war heroes.

Robert (Worm) Jarvis has spent the majority of his life behind a microphone bringing laughs and music to the Twin Cities for over 20 years. In those 20 years, he has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for underprivileged kids on Christmas. In addition to the money raised to fund the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter, Local Veterans in our area, coat drives, The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, and many other causes. We are proud to have Him as a nominee for this year. If you would like to support DJ Worm in his efforts, please consider donating to the Humane Society Adoption Center.

Briana Calhoun is a woman who has inspired so many prisoners by instilling hope during a time of incarceration. She is the president and founder of the Non-Profit Foundation, “Hope On the Inside.” The foundation is dedicated to helping inmates navigate the re-entry process into the regular world. Briana’s foundation helps inmates navigate their lives filled with success and purpose after imprisonment. Many have been touched by this very influential organization and Briana’s story. Her testimony has impacted and will impact many for future generations to come. If you would like to donate to her cause the website is listed on your program.

This is who they are, this is their spirit.

Tom M.
What's Happening in NELA Monroe Music Live City of West Monroe West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Myra Gatling-Akers

18/08/2024

Brief update.

18/08/2024

Winners list and pictures are pinned to the top of the page!!!

18/08/2024

Congratulations to all of the nominees, winners, and talent in NELA. We had a great show the other night. We have been working to highlight the music industry all year long and plan to continue. If you would like to volunteer to help or have some suggestions please email me at [email protected] Many thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and the community for showing up. We will be back at it very soon.-Myra

17/08/2024

ELECTED OFFICIALS’ APPRECIATION - There were so many people that we're not sure how many elected officials attended the show, but we did see some. It was a pleasure having Shane Smiley, President of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury , in the audience. Tom Malmay said, "This is not the first time the jury president has been out listening and observing what's going on. Cultural tourism is one of the job sectors on the list." West Monroe City Alderman Rodney Welch also attended the show. Tom said, "I last saw Rodney at an art show by Frank Kelley Jr., where he spoke about the importance of art." Monroe City Councilman Verbon R Muhammad Sr. was also in attendance. Any former or current elected officials who attended the show, please post and let us know.

These elected officials saw our artists and business owners like Lee Denny and Matt Shepard working hard on cultural tourism. Thank you so much, President Shane Smiley, Alderman Rodney Welch, and Councilman Verbon Muhammad, Sr. Your presence meant a lot to all of us.

NELA Music Awards Planning Team
Mustang Sally Matt's Music Monroe Chamber of Commerce West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum

17/08/2024

ELECTED OFFICIALS’ APPRECIATION - There were so many people that we're not sure how many elected officials attended the show, but we did see some. It was a pleasure having Shane Smiley, President of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury , in the audience. Tom Malmay said, "This is not the first time the jury president has been out listening and observing what's going on. Cultural tourism is one of the job sectors on the list." West Monroe City Alderman Rodney Welch also attended the show. Tom said, "I last saw Rodney at an art show by Frank Kelley Jr., where he spoke about the importance of art." Monroe City Councilman Verbon R Muhammad Sr. was also in attendance. Any former or current elected officials who attended the show, please post and let us know.

These elected officials saw our artists and business owners like Lee Denny and Matt Shepard working hard on cultural tourism. Thank you so much, President Shane Smiley, Alderman Rodney Welch, and Councilman Verbon Muhammad, Sr. Your presence meant a lot to all of us.

NELA Music Awards Planning Team

17/08/2024

Some more great pics!!!!! Thank you Roman Candid Photography!!!!

17/08/2024

More photos of a great night!!! Thank you Roman Candid Photography!!!

17/08/2024

We would like to once again thank all of our sponsors for their support of the 2024 NELA Music Awards!!! Without your support, this magical night celebrating our local talent would not have been made possible!!!! Thank you so much!!!!

17/08/2024

THE 2024 GREAT SUMMER OF MUSIC CONTINUES - The 2024 NELA Music Awards was never about one day. Monroe Music Live was at Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe last evening covering the Gin Mobsters and Tom Malmay will be back out in a couple of days for the B.B. King Tribute by D.K. Harrell at Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe. Be looking for Melinda Hill Floyd from the Lincoln and Union Parish Bureau. The music continues!!

17/08/2024

ART RECEPTION AND LIVE PAINTING - Once you stepped beyond the luxurious red carpet, you were greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors emanating from paintings, sculptures, and musical artifacts. The Art Reception was a complete success. Based on observations and conversations with visitors and artists, people came to this show with the Art Reception on their list of things to see. Intertwined with the Live Painting by Gaye Auger-Laing signed by Kix Brooks, it was all part of the art and music blend experience.

The art community likely gained some new consumers and certainly some new young artists. There were many people pacing back and forth, talking with the artists and asking inquisitive questions. Tom said, “I had one twenty-something guitar player explain to me how he sees color when he’s creating his own music.” If you follow

Tom’s music reviews, he sees color when he’s listening to music.
The B.B. King Exhibit was captivating. Two days after the show, we are still receiving comments about this exhibit. This is what Robert Robert DjWorm Jarvis said about the B.B. King Exhibit on social media: “Last night was a great night, but this (Lucille) was one of the coolest things I've ever laid my eyes on.” The very first "Lucille" Gibson ever made for B.B. King was like seeing a piece of music history.

It was inspiring to have national and international artists like Cincone, Frank Kelley Jr., Daryl Triplett, and Pat Howard displaying their art alongside accomplished painters and sculptors. A big thank you to artist Jennifer Kaye Haynes for coordinating with the Black Creative Circles of North Louisiana to bring us Monique Shantay, Shiketra May White, Kenyon Cowart Jr., and Trey Gordon. Thank you, Jeff Hollis, for providing the most unique musical sculptures.

Northeast Louisiana appreciates the B.B. King Museum. Thank you, Malika Polk-Lee, Robert Terrell, and Takesha Norman. We look forward to working with you on the B.B. King Centennial. The Art Reception was made possible by our sponsors: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, Richland Parish Arts Council, and the City of Monroe.

A very special thank you to Ross Slacks, Director of the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum.

Tom M.
NELA Music Awards What's Happening in NELA Monroe Music Live B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

17/08/2024

JAMES BURTON RECOGNITION- Legendary guitarist James Burton was born in Dubberly, Louisiana. He left an indelible mark on the world of music through his exceptional talent, recording with many well-known artists. James’ work with the iconic Elvis Presley solidified his place in music history. Families across Northeast Louisiana still reminisce about Elvis Presley playing at the Civic Center in the 1970s.

While the criteria for the NELA Music Awards typically focus on northeast Louisiana, the exceptional circumstances surrounding James Burton’s unparalleled contribution to music led to this special acknowledgment of his achievements. As Tom Malmay said, “This has to be done.”

James' brother Jim and other family members were in the audience to see James recognized. Thank you, James Burton, for the music and the sacrifices you and your wife, Louise Burton, have made. Northeast Louisiana is proud and grateful. Thank you Jayne Smith-Green for making this happen.

See the acceptance video below.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member James Burton thanks the NELA MUSIC AWARDS 2024

17/08/2024

Picture link is posted to the top of the page!

17/08/2024

So thankful to have the support of Lt Governor Nungesser.

17/08/2024

Last night, at the NELA Music Awards, we gave Briana Calhoun our first Humanitarian Award for her work on the Hope On The Inside nonprofit she started.

17/08/2024

You guys looked AMAZING!!! Check out the photos in the link below!!! It was a fantastic celebration of local artists here in the Northeast Louisiana region… THANK YOU to all who participated, thank you Sponsors and thank you to our volunteers!!!

Email addresses are used to manage your preferences, process orders and communicate image availability. Information is only shared with your photographer.

17/08/2024

We remembered those who passed away last night at the Nela Music Awards. This is the video.

16/08/2024

Jayne Smith-Green thank you so much for your help last evening. I want forget. Thank you.

16/08/2024

Pictures from our Art Reception!!! So much talent!!!

16/08/2024

To our AMAZING volunteers

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!