2026 Wammie Nominations Announced for DC Region

Honors span folk, bluegrass, and other popular music genres in the nation's capital area.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration composed of sharp, angular shapes in deep green, brown, and blue tones, conveying the energy and diversity of the folk and bluegrass music genres represented in the 2026 Wammie nominations.The 2026 Wammie nominations celebrate the vibrant folk and bluegrass music scene in and around the nation's capital.Washington Today

Nominations have been revealed for the 2026 Washington Area Music Awards, known locally as the Wammies. The awards recognize artists across a wide range of musical styles popular in and around Washington, DC, including the District and its Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Three categories specifically honor folk and bluegrass acts based in the region, with nominees chosen by online vote and winners selected by industry professionals.

Why it matters

The Wammies are a long-running, prestigious awards program that celebrates the diverse musical talent found throughout the greater DC metropolitan area. The folk and bluegrass categories highlight the continued popularity and influence of those genres within the region's vibrant music scene.

The details

The three folk and bluegrass categories are Best Folk/Bluegrass Album, Best Folk/Bluegrass Artist-Group, and Best Folk/Bluegrass Song. Nominees in the album category include Jillian Matundan, Lynn Hollyfield, Eli Lev, Wicked Sycamore, and Wild Aster. Nominated artists and groups for the performer awards are Jillian Matundan, Eli Lev, Lynn Hollyfield, Wicked Sycamore, and The Timber Bridges. Song nominees are FANFAIRE, Jillian Matundan, and Lynn Hollyfield.

  • The 2026 Wammie nominations were announced on March 30, 2026.

The players

Wammies

The Washington Area Music Awards, an annual program that honors artists across a wide range of musical genres popular in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan region.

Jillian Matundan

A folk and bluegrass artist based in the Washington, DC area who received multiple 2026 Wammie nominations.

Lynn Hollyfield

A folk and bluegrass artist based in the Washington, DC area who received multiple 2026 Wammie nominations.

Eli Lev

A folk and bluegrass artist based in the Washington, DC area who received a 2026 Wammie nomination.

Wicked Sycamore

A folk and bluegrass group based in the Washington, DC area that received 2026 Wammie nominations.

The Timber Bridges

A folk and bluegrass group based in the Washington, DC area that received a 2026 Wammie nomination.

FANFAIRE

A folk and bluegrass artist based in the Washington, DC area who received a 2026 Wammie nomination.

Wild Aster

A folk and bluegrass artist or group based in the Washington, DC area that received a 2026 Wammie nomination.

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What’s next

Winners of the 2026 Wammies will be announced soon.

The takeaway

The diverse range of folk and bluegrass talent recognized in the 2026 Wammie nominations reflects the continued vibrancy of those genres within the Washington, DC music scene, showcasing the region's enduring appeal as a hub for roots and Americana artists.