With 2023 now officially in the rearview mirror, it’s time to discuss what the best parts of it were for Western New Yorkers.
Once again, All WNY will celebrate the best of WNY with the All WNY Awards, a time-honored tradition by the fine folks here at All WNY.
Last year, we had 97 categories open for nominations — 31 in music, 46 in business and 20 in community.
MUSIC
- Best 90’s / Modern Cover Band
- Best Acoustic Act / Singer/Songwriter
- Best Americana/Folk Band
- Best Bassist
- Best Blues Band / Act
- Best Classic Rock Cover Band
- Best Concert Photographer
- Best Country Artist/Band
- Best DJ/Electronic Band
- Best Door Person
- Best Drummer
- Best Guitarist
- Best Hardcore/Metal Band
- Best Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B Artist
- Best Indie/Alternative/Jam Band
- Best Jazz Band / Act
- Best Live Band
- Best Local Release (EP or Album)
- Best Local Song
- Best New Band
- Best Open Mic
- Most Original Band/Artist
- Best “Other” Band / Act
- Best “Other” Instrumentalist
- Best Punk/Pop-Punk Band
- Best Rock Band
- Best Sound Person
- Best Tribute Band
- Best Venue
- Best Vocalist
- Greg Rinker Memorial Service Award
BUSINESS
- Best Arcade
- Best Barber / Hairstylist
- Best BBQ
- Best Beef on Weck
- Best Bodega
- Best Book Store
- Best Bowling Alley
- Best Brewery
- Best Burger
- Best Chicken Finger Sub
- Best Chicken Wings
- Best Chili
- Best Coffee Shop
- Best Comedy Club
- Best Comic Book Shop
- Best Diner
- Best Dive Bar
- Best Donuts
- Best Easter Brunch
- Best Fish Fry
- Best Food Truck
- Best French Onion Soup
- Best Golf Course
- Best Greek Restaurant
- Best Gym/Fitness Center
- Best Hospice Provider
- Best Hospital / Healthcare Center
- Best Ice Cream Shop
- Best Italian Restaurant
- Best Karaoke Spot
- Best Mexican Restaurant
- Best Mini Golf Course
- Best Patio Bar
- Best Pizza
- Best Polish Restaurant
- Best Pumpkin Farm
- Best Record Store
- Best Reuben
- Best Seafood
- Best Skate Park
- Best Soup
- Best Sports Bar
- Best Sub / Sandwich Shop
- Best Tacos
- Best Thrift Shop
- Best Winery
COMMUNITY
- Best Art Space / Gallery
- Best Car Show
- Best Community Carnival / Lawn Fete
- Best Dyngus Day Event
- Best Fireworks Display
- Best First Date Spot
- Best Home Healthcare Aid
- Best Kayak Launch
- Best LGBTQ+ Space
- Best Local Podcast
- Best Local Theatre
- Best Marina
- Best Mural
- Best Music Festival
- Best Parade
- Best Park
- Best Place to Watch a Sunset
- Best Social Media Account
- Best Tourist Attraction
- Best Trivia Night
But here’s the thing. We’re totally open to new category ideas. So let us know what you think we should add. It could be music related. Maybe food related. Or a type of store or experience, even. Maybe we’ll add your category for the 2023 awards. We’ll take suggestions through January 15th and start the nomination process on February 1.
The nomination process will run from Feb. 1 through Feb. 15, after which, we may delete some categories that don’t have enough nominees. In previous years, All WNY had employed a committee to whittle down each category of nominees to just 10 prior to voting. This year, just like we did last year, we’re allowing all* nominees to make it through to the final voting.
* If the nominees are legitimate and follow the rules. For example, music nominees must be active, have created or performed music in 2023, have music playing in rotation on All WNY Radio — and of course be from Western New York.
We’ll have voting from March 1 – March 15. Winners will be announced April 1 to coincide with All WNY’s 18th Anniversary.
If you want to suggest a new category or offer any thoughts, feel free to shoot us an email or reach out to us on any of our social media accounts.
We’re excited to begin another year of the All WNY Awards …
