2024 Concert Awards: Celebrating Unforgettable Moments and Exceptional Talent
In the vibrant world of live music, 2024 has been a year of unforgettable moments and remarkable performances. Aaron Shriver from Melodies N' Memories: Music Media took on an ambitious journey, covering 66 concerts and festivals, and witnessing a staggering 275 artists. As the year comes to a close, it's time to celebrate the outstanding achievements that made 2024 a memorable year for music fans.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography1) Best Opener
Opening a concert is no small task, and in 2024, we saw some truly impressive performances. Choosing the Best Opening Act was no easy feat, this year the competition was fierce, but a few stood out for their remarkable performances. The nominees included Lewis Brice on the Me & My Guitar tour, Luke Borchelt opening for Shaboozey, Payton Smith with Lily Rose, Sleep Theory opening for Daughtry, and Ice Nine Kills with Metallica.
• Ice Nine Kills for Metallica at Soldier Field
• Sleep Theory for Daughtry at Radius
• Payton Smith at Joe’s Live
• Luke Borchelt for Shaboozey at The Metro
• Lewis Brice at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyUltimately, the runner-up honor goes to Luke Borchelt at the Metro in Chicago, where his songwriting and passion shone through. But the award for Best Opener in 2024 goes to Ice Nine Kills, who electrified Soldier Field on the Metallica tour with their high-energy set and theatrical flair. This band is one to watch as they prepare for a headline tour in 2025.
Winner: Ice Nine Kills for Metallica at Soldier Field
Photo By: Bill Smith2) Best Venue Of 2024
Now, let's dive into the highly anticipated Best Venue of 2024. This year, we ventured to nearly 45 different venues, each with its own charm and vibe. The five contenders for this prestigious title were Carol's Pub in Chicago, IL, The Rave in Milwaukee, WI, Joe's on Weed St. in Chicago, IL, The Vixen in McHenry, IL, and The Metro in Chicago, IL. In selecting the winner, we considered factors such as food, parking, and booking experiences.
• The Rave
• Joe’s On Weed St
• The Vixen
• Carol’s Pub
• Metro
Our runner-up is Joe's on Weed Street. Having attended concerts there for 18 years, we can confidently say that Joe's comes close to perfection. However, parking proved to be a challenge, which is why it took the runner-up spot. But fear not! Spot Hero is your best friend when it comes to finding parking for shows at Joe's. Our 2024 winner for Best Venue is The Rave in Milwaukee. The Rave stands out with its multiple stages, offering a diverse range of entertainment. Parking is a breeze if you're ready to invest $30, ensuring an easy in and out. While The Rave doesn't serve food, the vibrant street scene after the shows, with Taco Trucks and Hot Dog carts, makes for a delightful experience. The venue hosts an array of genres, guaranteeing a show for every music fan. And let's not forget their thrilling Haunted Holiday tours every December. We wholeheartedly recommend catching a show at The Rave—it's an experience you won't want to miss!
Winner: The Rave in Milwaukee, WI
3) Best Live Song Of 2024
Choosing the best live song is all about finding that one track that hits you right in the heart, that makes you stop and feel the moment. It's about the power of music to touch emotions and create unforgettable memories. This year, the nominees for Best Live Song were: A Bar Song by Shaboozey, High by Caitlyn Smith, Around Forever by Randall King, Heavens To Betsy by Jackson Dean, and I'm A Song by Stephen Wilson Jr.
• Heavens To Betsy (Jackson Dean)
• I’m A Song (Stephen Wilson Jr.)
• Around Forever (Randall King)
• A Bar Song (Shaboozey)
• High (Caitlyn Smith)
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyStephen Wilson Jr., I'm A Song earned runner-up with its touching backstory of being performed at The Bluebird, touching everyone who heard it, But the Best Live Song of 2024 award goes to Around Forever by Randall King, performed at The Rave. This song, with its heartfelt story about life's fleeting moments, moved the crowd to tears, showcasing the power of music.
Winner: Around Forever by Randall King
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography4) Best Crowd Of 2024
When we talk about the best crowd, it's not just about size; it's about the vibe, the energy, and the connection with the music. This year, we witnessed incredible crowds, and the nominees for Best Crowd were Kip Moore at The Rave, REO Speedwagon at The BMO Harris Center, Lil Tecca at Summer Fest, Stephen Wilson Jr. at Lincoln Hall, and Joey Fatone & AJ McClean at The Salt Shed.
• Lil Tecca at SummerFest
• Reo Speedwagon at BMO Harris Center
• Kip Moore at The Rave
• Stephen Wilson Jr at Lincoln Hall
• Joey Fatone & AJ McClean at The Salt Shed
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThe runner-up was REO Speedwagon in Rockford, IL, where fans came together for a memorable night filled with emotion as they bid farewell to an iconic band. But the top honor goes to Kip Moore at The Rave. There's something special about Kip's connection with the Milwaukee audience; they held onto every note and didn't want the night to end. His performance was flawless, and the crowd's energy was unparalleled. If you're a Kip Moore fan, don't miss his next Milwaukee show—it's an experience you won't forget!
Winner: Kip Moore at The Rave
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography5) Best Team / PR & Management
Working with outstanding PR and management teams is vital for covering live events, and this year's nominees were exceptional. the nominees are Lightning Rod Records, Missing Piece Group, Starstruck Management Group, True Public Relations, and Durango Artist.
• Randall King / Durango Artist
• Lee Brice / True Public Relations
• Emily Ann Roberts / Starstruck Management Group
• Stephen Wilson Jr / Missing Piece Group
• Alex Williams / Lightning Rod Records
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyDurango Artist Management, you were an outstanding runner-up this year. Your dedication and cooperation, especially with allowing us to cover Randall King twice and facilitating an interview at Country Thunder, were exceptional. Working with you has been a joy, and your commitment to supporting our brand has not gone unnoticed. However, the 2024 award for Best Team PR or Management goes to none other than Missing Piece Group. Throughout the year, their team has shown remarkable professionalism and enthusiasm, partnering with us on projects with artists like Kip Moore, Stephen Wilson Jr., Fancy Hagood, Hailey Whitters, and more. Joe and Bobby, your kindness and willingness to collaborate have had a significant impact. We're truly honored to have worked alongside such an inspiring team and are eagerly anticipating what 2025 will bring.
Winner: Missing Piece Group
6) Funniest Stage Moment
One of the most amusing categories of the year was the Funniest Stage Moment of 2024. This category celebrates those unexpected, laugh-out-loud instances that occur during performances, reminding us of all of the joyful unpredictability of live music. Whether it was a quirky personality shining through or an onstage blunder, these moments brought smiles to everyone present. Let's dive into our nominees. Bryan Simpson's entire set at Chiefs was a comedy show in itself. Then there was David Nail and his band, who took the stage in hilariously ugly sweaters. Aaron Lewis had a memorable moment when he slapped a mic stand in frustration, creating an unexpected comedic scene. Benson Boone, in a wild twist, accepted a fan's prosthetic leg, holding it for two songs before realizing his fan was balancing on one leg the entire time
• David Nail & band wearing ugly sweaters at The Vixen
• Bryan Simpson’s complete set at Chief’s
• Elle King swallows’ gum and chokes at Country Thunder
• Aaron Lewis slaps the mic stand to the stage in frustration at Credit Union 1
• Benson Boone holding a prosthetic leg for 2 songs at The Salt Shed
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyBenson Boone accepting a fan's prosthetic leg on stage & holding it for 2 songs was our runner-up, he humorously stopped, apologized, and signed the leg before returning it. The winner of Funniest Stage Moment goes to Elle King at Country Thunder. Elle King's moment was one for the books. She hit the stage with her usual energy, but during her second song, she realized she still had gum in her mouth.
In a sudden twist, she began to choke on it, coughing into the mic. The crowd was bewildered, but once she regained composure, everyone erupted in laughter. The humor was amplified when Elle herself reached out to us on Instagram, requesting the video we captured and admitting that she was genuinely choking, with no one from her band or sidestage coming to her aid.
Winner: Elle King swallows’ gum and chokes at Country Thunder
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography7) Best Music Festival
After attending six phenomenal music festivals, each with its own unique flair, we faced the tough challenge of selecting our favorites. Due to a family emergency, our experience at Country Thunder Bristol was unfortunately cut short. Nonetheless, we narrowed our top five finalists down to Country Thunder Wisconsin, Windy City Smokeout, AmericanaFest, Harley Davidson Homecoming, and Milwaukee Summerfest.
• SummerFest
• Country Thunder Wisconsin
• AmericanaFest
• Windy City Smokeout
• Harley Homecoming
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyCountry Thunder Wisconsin holds a special place in our hearts, earning the title of runner-up. For 21 years, it's been more than just a festival; it's been a yearly tradition, a celebration of music and community that never fails to deliver. The grand winner this year is AmericanaFest! This electrifying five-day festival pulses through Nashville, lighting up some of the most iconic venues in the city. With over 100 artists performing annually, AmericanaFest is a goldmine for discovering new talent. The BMI kick-off set the week on fire, featuring an unforgettable performance by Wyatt Flores. Peach Jam at AmericanaFest continues to be a standout, bringing joy to everyone who attends. This year, the addition of Chief's on Broadway as a venue was a fantastic move, offering unforgettable performances by Bryan Simpson and Caitlyn Smith.
Winner: AmericanaFest
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography8) Biggest Unexpected Moment
These are the moments that turn an ordinary concert into an unforgettable memory. Here are the standout nominees of 2024: Jim Belushi teaming up with Lee Brice at Windy City Smokeout, MGK unexpectedly joining Jelly Roll at the Harley Homecoming to debut their track Lonely Road, a sudden storm rolling in during Creed's set in Tinley Park, IL, a choir making a surprise appearance at Eric Church's Neon Steeple during his residency at Chiefs, and Dasha stepping off the stage at Joe's Live to line dance with the crowd to Austin.
• Jim Belushi at Windy City Smokeout with Lee Brice
• MGK Debuts Lonely Road with Jelly Roll at Harley Homecoming
• Storm Blows in at the Creed concert at Credit Union 1
• Choir sneaking in at Chief’s to surprise crowd during Eric Church residency
• Dasha enters the crowd and line dances during Austin at Joe’s Live
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyWhile each moment was incredible, the runner-up is awarded to the choir's stealthy entrance at Chiefs to harmonize with Eric Church. Their voices blended so seamlessly that some audience members didn't realize until they were deep in the music. This year, the award for the Biggest Unexpected Moment goes to a thrilling and dynamic surprise at the Harley Homecoming. Imagine the roar of the crowd when MGK rode in on a Harley to join Jelly Roll on stage, debuting their new track, Lonely Road. The energy was electric, and it became one of the most talked-about highlights of the summer. It was a moment of pure exhilaration, leaving everyone inspired by the power of music and collaboration.
Winner: MGK & Jelly Roll Harley Davidson Homecoming
9) Most Unforgettable Moment
Unforgettable moments linger in our hearts, and 2024 was full of them. These are the moments that leave a mark, connecting melodies to memories that linger long after the final note fades. Let's dive into the nominees for the Most Unforgettable Moment of 2024: Eric Church delivering a powerful rendition of Church Boys at his Chief's Residency, Wyatt Flores capturing hearts with Milwaukee at Milwaukee's Summer Fest, Lee DeWyze's flawless showcase at AmericanaFest, Cody Johnson's emotional speech followed by God Bless America on the day Trump was shot, and REO Speedwagon's heartfelt farewell to the Illinois crowd in Rockford.
• Cody Johnson's Speech on the day of the Trump shooting & God Bless America
• Eric Church sings Church Boys at his residency at Chiefs
• Lee DeWyzes showcase at The Station Inn during AmericanaFest
• Wyatt Flores sings Milwaukee in Milwaukee during SummerFest
• REO Speedwagon saying goodbye to the Illinois crowd at the BMO Harris Center
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyOur Runner-Up for this category goes to Lee DeWyze and his performance at The Station Inn during AmericanaFest in Nashville. Fresh off releasing his latest album, Lee took the audience on a journey through his music, captivating everyone with his storytelling and the atmosphere he created in the room. It was, without a doubt, one of the best performances we experienced in 2024. But the winner of the Most Unforgettable Moment of 2024 is Eric Church with Church Boys during his Chief's Residency. The song, already deeply personal, took on a whole new level of emotion as Eric shared his vulnerability with the audience, honoring his late brother Brandon. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, and for those who witnessed it, it was a moment that transcended the ordinary and resonated deeply. It was raw, real, and a testament to the power of music to connect us all.
Winner: Eric Church sings Church Boys at his residency at Chiefs
Photo By: Anthony D’Angio10) Best Concert Of 2024
We covered 66 shows and festivals, so to pick 5 out of 66 was hard. We looked into everything too crowd reactions, set lists, engagement with the crowd, and just all around a feel-good show. Here are the 2024 nominees. Eric Church residency at Chiefs, Kip Moore at The Rave, Benson Boone at The Salt Shed, David Nail at The Vixen, and Stephen Wilson Jr. at Lincoln Hall.
• Kip Moore at The Rave
• Benson Boone at The Salt Shed
• Eric Church Residency at Chiefs
• Stephen Wilson Jr at Lincoln Hall
• David Nail at The Vixen
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyIn a nail-biting race, Kip Moore at The Rave takes the runner-up spot. His shows in Wisconsin have a reputation for being legendary, but this one stood out with an unforgettable setlist and an atmosphere that was electric. But the top honor, the Best Concert of 2024, goes to Stephen Wilson Jr. at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. Earlier in the year, his acoustic tour touched our hearts, but when he returned with his full band, the experience was beyond words. The venue was packed, and the audience was mesmerized, singing along at the top of their lungs one moment, and sitting in rapt silence the next as Stephen shared his stories. It was an emotional journey that left everyone in attendance inspired, moved, and aware that they had witnessed something truly special.
Winner: Stephen Wilson Jr at Lincoln Hall
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography2024 was a year of musical triumphs, heartwarming connections, and unforgettable performances. Whether it was the power of a live song or the energy of a dedicated crowd, 2024 proved that live music is a force that unites us all. As we look to 2025, we carry the spirit of these experiences with us, inspired and motivated by the artists who poured their hearts into every note. To all the music fans out there, keep your ears open and your hearts ready for another incredible year of Melodies and Memories.
