Local music took center stage on Sunday, October 4th, as Raydio hosted the 2026 Local Vibe Music Awards at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milford, bringing together musicians, bands, venues, music fans, and supporters for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the area's vibrant local music scene.
The free event, open to the public, featured 25 awards and 10 live musical performances, recognizing the incredible talent, dedication, and passion that keep local music alive and thriving throughout the region.
The afternoon featured performances by Captain and the Stubings, Driftwood, Roadhouse Strangers, Coffeehouse Squirrels, Fourth Year, The Bitter Hearts, Dan Rice, Box Groove, The Pub Kings, and Project Alice.
What makes the Local Vibe Music Awards special is that the winners are chosen by the fans. Rather than relying on a panel of judges or industry professionals, the awards give local music supporters the opportunity to vote for their favorite bands, musicians, performers, venues, and others who contribute to the local music community.
Among the special honors presented was the inaugural Local Vibe Headliner Award, awarded to Project Alice. Tony Soul was recognized as a Local Legend, while other special recognition awards celebrated the fans and personalities who make the local music scene so special.
But beyond the trophies and performances, the afternoon was about something bigger: community.
"Local music is about so much more than what happens on stage," said Ray Auger, founder of Raydio and The Local Vibe. "It's about the musicians who put their hearts into every performance, the venues that give them a place to play, and the fans who show up week after week to support them. This event was our way of bringing everyone together and saying thank you. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate local music is exactly why we do this."
The event was made possible through the generosity of local businesses and sponsors who share Raydio's commitment to supporting the community. Their contributions helped make the celebration free and accessible to local music fans.
Special thanks also go to Franklin TV, which recorded the event for an upcoming presentation on its YouTube channel, and Tim Rice Photo, whose photography captured the performances, award presentations, and memorable moments throughout the afternoon. Photos from the event are already available.
The Local Vibe Music Awards are an extension of Raydio's ongoing commitment to showcasing local talent through Raydio's Local Vibe, a resource connecting audiences with live music, local performers, and venues throughout the region.
"These musicians are our friends, our neighbors, and the people who help make our communities special," added Auger. "They deserve to be recognized, celebrated, and supported. If this event inspires even a few more people to get out and see a local band, then we've accomplished something pretty special."
Raydio looks forward to continuing its support of the local music community and building on the success of this year's celebration.
About Raydio
Raydio is a locally owned and operated internet radio station serving Milford, Massachusetts, and surrounding communities. Featuring upbeat music, local personalities, community news, events, local sports updates, and specialty programming, Raydio is committed to keeping listeners connected to the people, places, and happenings that make the area special.
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Listen online at www.localraydio.com or download the free Local Raydio app.
