Local Music Stars Honored At Milford Awards Ceremony

Musicians, venues and fans were recognized during the 2026 Local Vibe Music Awards.

By Jessie Castellano, Patch Staff

Oct 14, 2026 10:22 AM EDT

Local musicians, venues and fans were recognized during Raydio's 2026 Local Vibe Music Awards in Milford earlier this month. (TIMRICEPHOTO.COM)

MILFORD, MA — Local musicians, venues and fans were recognized during the 2026 Local Vibe Music Awards in Milford earlier this month.

The local radio station Raydio hosted the free event earlier this month at the DoubleTree by Hilton, presenting 25 fan-selected awards and featuring 10 live performances. The awards recognize bands, musicians, performers, venues and others who support the region's music scene.

Performers included Captain and the Stubings, Driftwood, Roadhouse Strangers, Coffeehouse Squirrels, Fourth Year, The Bitter Hearts, Dan Rice, Box Groove, The Pub Kings and Project Alice.

Project Alice received the inaugural Local Vibe Headliner Award, while Tony Soul was recognized as a Local Legend. Additional awards honored local music fans and personalities.

Unlike competitions decided by judges or music industry professionals, the Local Vibe Music Awards allow fans to choose the winners.

Here's a list of the 2026 winners:

Local Music Supporter: Juli Johnson
Local Soundguy: Rob Swalley
Local Acoustic Venue: Oasis Patio
Local Music Venue: Liz's Tavern
Local Music Event: Franklin PorchFest
Local Bassist: Tim Galvin
Local Keyboardist: Mary Medeiros
Local Drummer: Matthew Zajac
Local Acoustic Solo Act: David Penza
Local Acoustic Act: Driftwood
Local Country Act: Whiskey 6
Local Guitarist: Jeremy Roy
Local Shredder: Mikey Hutchinson
Local Vocalist: Lizzie Leis
Local Blues Act: Tony Soul Project
Local Jazz Act: Bob Martin Quartet
Local Pop/Rock Band: The Pub Kings
Local Cover Song: "Best of You" by Box Groove
Local Original Song: "Silver" by Jennifer Tefft and The Strange
Local Band Name: Coffeehouse Squirrels
Local Band Promotion: Box Groove
Outstanding Stage Presence: Carolyn Rae & The Rumors
Local Tribute Band: Metal Godz
Local Original Act: Jennifer Tefft and The Strange
Headliner Award: Project Alice

Special Recognition Awards:

Best Fans: Driftwood
Energizer Bunny: Jay Tulio
Fun Hang: Chip Zale
Best Dressed: Bill Donovan
Local Legend: Tony Soul

"Local music is about so much more than what happens on stage," Raydio and The Local Vibe founder Ray Auger said. "It's about the musicians who put their hearts into every performance, the venues that give them a place to play and the fans who show up week after week to support them."

Local businesses and sponsors helped organizers offer the event free to the public.

The awards are an extension of Raydio's Local Vibe, a resource connecting listeners with area performers, venues and live music. Raydio is a locally owned internet radio station serving Milford and surrounding communities.