San Diego Music Awards Nominee Showcase Highlights Local Talent

Hidden City Sounds event features three acts nominated for prestigious regional music honors.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular shapes in black, white, and red, conveying the dynamic energy of the San Diego music scene.The Hidden City Sounds showcase celebrates the vibrant musical talent of San Diego, spotlighting three local artists nominated for the prestigious San Diego Music Awards.Escondido Today

The California Center for the Arts in Escondido is hosting the annual Hidden City Sounds - San Diego Music Awards Nominee Showcase on April 10, 2026. The event will feature performances by three local artists who have been nominated for the prestigious San Diego Music Awards: Kimmi Bitter, Jesse Ray Smith, and Rebecca Jade.

Why it matters

The San Diego Music Awards are considered one of the top honors for musicians in the region, recognizing exceptional local talent across various genres. The Hidden City Sounds showcase provides a platform for these nominated artists to perform for the community and raise their profiles ahead of the awards ceremony.

The details

The Hidden City Sounds - San Diego Music Awards Nominee Showcase will take place at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. The lineup includes three acts nominated for the prestigious regional awards: singer-songwriter Kimmi Bitter, country artist Jesse Ray Smith, and R&B/soul performer Rebecca Jade. The event is free and open to the public, offering music fans a chance to discover new local talent.

  • The showcase will be held on April 10, 2026.

The players

Kimmi Bitter

A singer-songwriter nominated for the San Diego Music Awards.

Jesse Ray Smith

A country artist nominated for the San Diego Music Awards.

Rebecca Jade

An R&B/soul performer nominated for the San Diego Music Awards.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

The venue hosting the Hidden City Sounds - San Diego Music Awards Nominee Showcase.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to showcase these talented local artists who have been recognized by the San Diego Music Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to discover new music and support our vibrant music scene.”

— Samantha Gonzalez, Event Organizer

What’s next

The San Diego Music Awards ceremony will take place in May 2026, where the winners in each category will be announced.

The takeaway

The Hidden City Sounds showcase highlights the depth of musical talent in the San Diego region, providing a platform for nominated artists to perform and connect with new audiences ahead of the prestigious San Diego Music Awards.