The Arizona country music scene is about to get its long-awaited spotlight! On October 27th, the Stillery in Chandler, AZ and Cowboy Lifestyle Network, will host the first-ever Arizona Desert Country Music Awards (AZDCMA), a landmark event dedicated to celebrating the rich talent and vibrant community that defines country music in the Grand Canyon State. Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring outstanding talent and the enduring legacy of country music in the Valley of the Sun. This black-tie affair promises an atmosphere of elegance and excitement, featuring memorable performances and tributes to the artists who make our community so special.
October 27, 2025
4PM-6PM Cocktail Hour with Meet and Greets @ Hilton Garden Inn
6PM-7PM Red Carpet Experience
7PM-10PM Awards Show
10PM After party
The Stillery
130 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225
The Mission
The AZDCMA’s mission is clear: “To recognize the outstanding artistry of Arizona’s country music community, fostering its growth, and connecting fans with the authentic sound of the Grand Canyon State. Inspiring and elevating Arizona’s country music artists and the venues that host our AZ artists by providing a premier awards platform that celebrates their achievements, increases their visibility, and strengthens the statewide country music ecosystem.” This inaugural ceremony marks a significant step towards solidifying Arizona’s place on the national country music map.
For too long, Arizona’s homegrown talent has been a hidden gem, but the AZDCMA aims to change that, providing a dedicated platform to honor the artists, musicians, and venues that bring the heart of country to the desert.
What to Expect
The event begins with a cocktail hour with meet and greets at the Hilton Graden Inn, Downtown Chandler, just steps away from the Stillery. Guests will be greeted for an exclusive VIP Red Carpet experience in the Downtown Chandler Courtyard prior to the Awards Ceremony.
The evening will feature awards in several exciting categories, showcasing the diverse talents within Arizona’s country music landscape:
Entertainer of the Year
Up and Coming Artist
Best Male Vocalist
Best Female Vocalist
Best Group
Best Duo
Best DJ
Best Live Music Venue (Northern, Central, Southern Arizona) – Recognizing the best indoor spaces that champion live country music.
Best Outdoor Venue – Celebrating the unique open-air settings where Arizona artists shine.
Best Musician – Individual awards for the mastery of instruments: Fiddler, Harmonica, Bass, Lead Guitar, Drummer, Steel Guitar.
Legacy Award – A special, non-voting honor dedicated to individuals who have made a lasting impact on Arizona’s country music heritage.
The inclusion of venue-specific awards, particularly for both indoor and outdoor spaces, highlights the ADCMA’s commitment to recognizing the entire ecosystem that supports live country music in Arizona. From intimate honky-tonks to sprawling outdoor stages, these venues are crucial to nurturing the local scene.
“We believe Arizona has a unique and authentic country sound, inspired by our desert landscapes and the vibrant communities that call this state home,” says a spokesperson for the AZDCMA. “The Arizona Desert Country Music Awards will not only celebrate the incredible talent we have but also foster a stronger, more connected community for artists and fans alike.”
AZDCMA
Music of the Night
Along with the red carpet, stellar artists and sparkling awards, our Arizona artists will be hosted by various musical talents across the Valley. Up and comer, Collin Vivola will start the night out entertaining us at the Pre Event Happy Hour at the Hilton Garden Inn. Then get ready to walk the red carpet to the music of Danny Austin and Kristen Bright. But that isn’t where the music stops. Following the Awards be sure to put on your dancing shoes and join us for an after party jam.
Collin Vivolo
Danny & Kristin Duo
Venue Spotlight: The Stillery, A Hub for Live Music in Chandler
The Stillery in Chandler, AZ, serves as the perfect host for the inaugural Arizona Desert Country Music Awards, embodying the spirit of live music that the AZDCMA aims to celebrate. Known for its lively atmosphere and commitment to showcasing talent, The Stillery regularly features live music, making it a beloved spot for both artists and fans in the East Valley. With a versatile setup that can accommodate intimate performances indoors and larger gatherings in its outdoor “Park” area, complete with a stage and outdoor bar, The Stillery provides an ideal backdrop for this historic event. Its dedication to hosting local musicians makes it a true partner in the growth of Arizona’s country music ecosystem.
Beyond its Chandler flagship, The Stillery extends its dedication to supporting local musicians across the state with additional locations in North Phoenix (Happy Valley) and Goodyear. Each of these establishments is known for consistently hosting live bands and fostering a vibrant musical environment, making The Stillery brand a true partner in the growth of Arizona’s country music ecosystem statewide.
Voting Details
The voting process for the AZ Desert Country Music Awards is unique, involving only the participating artists and venues. All voting will be conducted via email, and the overall process is divided into two distinct rounds to determine the winners. The first step, Round 1: Write-In Voting, requires voters to select their Top 3 favorites in each category, clearly entering in the names of the bands, venues, or artists. Please note: Any vote submitted by an individual for themselves will be disqualified and thrown out. The initial deadline for this first round of voting is October 1, 2025. Submissions will be compiled to select the Top 5 finalists in each category, who will then advance to Round 2: Finalist Voting. This second round will use a multiple-choice ballot featuring the five finalists, and each voter will receive ONE vote per category. Finally, the Top 3 vote-getters in each category will receive an exclusive invitation to the Awards Event, where the winners will be announced live during the celebration.