2023 Music Awards: Complete List of Winners and Highlights

The Ridglea Theater was abuzz with excitement as over 300 attendees gathered for what was celebrated as the 24th or 25th Annual Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards. This year’s ceremony showcased stunning performances, seamless production, and heartfelt acceptance speeches, including a memorable moment when the band LABELS passionately expressed their sentiments towards immigration enforcement during their speech for winning both Best Punk Band and Album of the Year.

Despite the challenging times we live in, a recurring theme echoed throughout the evening: the importance of stepping away from our screens, getting off the couch, and actively supporting local music by attending live performances. This message resonated with many who took to the microphone, highlighting the need for community engagement in the arts.

Having contributed to the Weekly for many years, including writing a Fort Worth-focused music column for over two decades, I have witnessed the evolution of our local music scene. With more than a thousand articles to my credit, my connection to Fort Worth’s music landscape runs deep, even as my personal outings have diminished with family commitments. Nonetheless, I continue to appreciate the incredible talent showcased by artists featured by my colleagues, underscoring that while the scene may not be as vibrant as it once was, it remains rich with quality music.

During the ceremony, singer-songwriter John Zaskoda delivered a touching tribute while inducting his late friend Nick Choate into the Hall of Fame. He emphasized the importance of artists creating their own spaces, a sentiment that reflects the nostalgia many feel for the once-thriving local venues. While the landscape may have changed, the call to action remained clear: attend live shows and experience the music firsthand, rather than solely relying on digital platforms.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated, including our talented performers: LABELS, Mollie Danel, Cavono, and the dynamic duo of Robert Ellis and Summer Dean. Special thanks go to those who inducted honorees into the Hall of Fame, including Bart Rose, Jeff Dazey, and Ms. O, as well as Zaskoda for honoring Choate.

A heartfelt acknowledgment is also due to the Weekly’s Jennifer Bovee and Michael Newquist for orchestrating an exceptional ceremony, alongside our sponsors Mullen & Mullen, Mrs. Renfro’s, and Printed Threads. Our presenters, including Brett Bowden, James Hinkle, Sean Russell, and Steve Steward, also deserve recognition for their contributions to the event’s success.

Lastly, we thank our readers for their engagement in selecting the winners through popular vote. Your participation is invaluable in celebrating our local music scene.