June, 23rd, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fraser Valley Music Awards Return July 16 with Over $10,000 in Fan-Voted Prize Money

ABBOTSFORD, BC — The Fraser Valley Music Awards (FVMA) return on Wednesday, July 16, celebrating music from across the Fraser Valley and giving music fans a direct role in determining how $10,170 in prize funding is distributed – Canada’s only such initiative!

The 2026 FVMA winners will be announced during Jam in Jubilee in downtown Abbotsford on July 16, bringing together artists representing communities throughout the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, and beyond.

This year’s nominees include nearly 40 musicians from Abbotsford (14), Chilliwack (5), Mission (3), Langley (7), Surrey (6), White Rock, Coquitlam, Delta, New Westminster (2), Vancouver and Maple Ridge, reflecting the growing diversity and strength of the region’s music scene. Alongside the juried award categories, fans can participate in the Dakota Leslie Memorial Fan Vote, which remains open until noon on July 15.

Unlike a traditional fan-choice award, the Dakota Leslie Memorial Fan Vote distributes the entire $10,170 prize pool proportionately among participating artists based on their share of the final vote. Every vote directly influences how much funding each artist receives, creating one of the most community-driven artist support programs in the country.

“The Fraser Valley Music Awards were created to celebrate and support the local artists who make music in our communities,” said Aaron Levy, Executive Director of CIVL Radio. “The Dakota Leslie Memorial Fan Vote gives audiences an opportunity to actively support the artists they love while ensuring the prize funding reaches a wide range of musicians.”

Community members are encouraged to cast their votes before the July 15 deadline and join the celebration at Jam in Jubilee on July 16 as the Fraser Valley’s music community comes together to recognize another year of outstanding local talent.

Voting and full nominee information can be found at fvma.civl.ca.

About the Fraser Valley Music Awards: Presented by CIVL Radio, the Fraser Valley Music Awards celebrate and support independent musicians throughout the Fraser Valley and surrounding region. Since launching in 2016, the FVMA program has distributed more than $80,000 directly to artists while helping connect local musicians with new audiences, industry opportunities, and regional recognition.