(Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the Akron Civic Theatre.)

The 2012 Northeast Ohio Local Music Awards (NEOLMA) will take place at the Akron Civic Theatre on Saturday, July 28, 2012. The awards ceremony and party begin on-stage at 7 p.m., with live music and dancing after the awards have been bestowed. The Akron Civic Theatre is joining up with Keepin' It Radio to host the ceremony.

Nominations were received from all over northeast Ohio, including Akron, Youngstown and Cleveland. The public has the opportunity to cast votes on-line for nominees in each of the following categories.

Best Rock Band

Best Metal Band

Best Punk Band

Best Hip Hop Group/Artist

Best Solo Artist

Best Lyrics

Best Rhythm Guitarist

Best Bassist

Best Drummer

Best Lead/Riff Guitarist

Best Song

Best On-Stage Presence

Best Unclean Vocalist (Screams)

Best Clean Vocalist (Singing)

Best Headliner

Best Up And Comer

Best Keyboardist

Voting is open to the public now through July 9 at www.ohiolmas.com.

"We are thrilled to partner with the good folks at keepinitradio.com to do something we have always wanted to do – host an event that recognizes and celebrates the incredible talent in our community. It's going to be one heck of a party," said Howard Parr, executive director of the Akron Civic Theatre.

David Rouzzo, founder and CEO of keepinitradio.com followed by saying "Our mission is to provide a platform for local artists to be heard on-line and on-stage. So much great work is being produced, and our station and live events are growing by leaps and bounds. With this event, we wanted to publicly recognize the artists who are the backbone of our work, and do it in a way that has never been done in Akron."

A cash bar will be available during the event at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $15. Tickets are available on the night of the show and in advance at the Akron Civic Theatre Box Office (330) 253-2488 or online at www.akroncivic.com, or TicketMaster (1-800-745-3000).  Additional events will be added throughout the season.

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