Wammies Return to the District, Celebrating Two Years of DMV Music

After a two‑year pause, The MusicianShip announced that the 37th Annual Wammie Music Awards will return to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the 982‑seat Capital Turnaround in Southeast. The revived ceremony will honor the region’s standout recordings and contributors from 2024 and 2025, with winners receiving a limited‑edition “Double Wammie.”

The season opens with a redesigned self‑nomination process beginning November 15, 2025, followed by public voting and a final judging round. Organizers say the layered selection—community nominations, popular voting, and a judges’ review—aims to balance grassroots enthusiasm with critical appraisal while spotlighting the DMV’s diverse musical ecosystem.

Wammie Week, staged in the days before the ceremony, will offer free panels, performances, and workshops for youth and adult musicians, creating spaces for mentorship, business guidance, and cross‑community collaboration. The live evening will include a red carpet (to be live‑streamed by WUSA‑9), performances, award presentations, honoree recognitions, and a Hall of Fame induction celebrating a lifetime of impact on the music industry.

Essential Details

Event

37th Annual Wammie Music Awards

Venue

Capital Turnaround, Southeast DC

Presented by

The MusicianShip

Scope

DMV music released in 2024 and 2025

Key Dates

Nomination Period November 15 – December 31, 2025

Public Voting December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026

Finalist Judging February 1 – February 15, 2026

Finalists Announced February 24, 2026

Partners and Purpose

The MusicianShip framed the Wammies’ return as both celebration and civic investment. Returning media and institutional partners include WUSA‑9, OCTFME, DCCAH, BMI, Levine Music, Events DC, and Strathmore Music, with additional support from local arts organizations and foundations. The nonprofit said the awards will not only recognize artistic achievement but also reinforce its mission of free music education and youth empowerment across the region.