2026 Short List announced for Newlin Music Prize

Fans can vote for their favorite local albums as part of the annual award

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The 2026 Short List has been announced for the Newlin Music Prize, an annual award that celebrates excellence in music from the Richmond-Petersburg metropolitan area. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize, while each remaining artist on the list will get $250. In addition to a jury decision, there is also a public fan vote open until March 23 that will count towards the final tally.

Why it matters

The Newlin Music Prize helps shine a spotlight on the vibrant local music scene in the Richmond-Petersburg region, providing recognition and financial support for talented artists. The public voting component also engages the community and allows fans to have a voice in determining the winner.

The details

The 2026 Short List features 20 albums from a diverse array of local artists, including Anna Leonard, Belly of the Heart, Brookhouse, CJ The Profit, Flora & The Fauna, and more. The winner will be announced on March 23.

  • The 2026 Short List was announced on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The public fan vote is open until March 23, 2026.
  • The winner of the Newlin Music Prize will be crowned on March 23, 2026.

The players

Newlin Music Prize

An annual award that celebrates excellence in music from the Richmond-Petersburg metropolitan area, named after musician Dika Newlin.

Dika Newlin

The musician after whom the Newlin Music Prize is named.

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What’s next

The public fan vote for the Newlin Music Prize will close on March 23, 2026, and the winner will be announced that same day.

The takeaway

The Newlin Music Prize provides valuable recognition and support for the thriving local music scene in the Richmond-Petersburg area, empowering artists and engaging the community through the public voting process.