New York, NY (May 3, 2023) – A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music, Inc.) announces the performers of the 2023 Libera Awards presented by Merlin which features an incredible array of talent. Evening performances include GRAMMY-nominated artists Margo Price, and Shemekia Copeland, Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Gaby Moreno, plus Dawn Richard + Spencer Zahn, Sudan Archives, Seratones, Tamtam, Marshall Allen and The Sun Ra Arkestra and the legendary Martha Reeves. The ceremony will be hosted by multi-hyphenate, Hannibal Buress. Buress will be pulling double duty during the night, also taking the stage for a performance with his project, Eshu Tune.
The 12th annual Libera Awards presented by Merlin will be the biggest to date, set to take place on Thursday, June 15 at the legendary Town Hall in midtown Manhattan. Tickets are on sale now; ticket prices will increase on May 5.
Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Marshall Allen and The Sun Ra Arkestra to be presented the revered Independent Icon Awards, in addition to their performances. The Independent Icon Award honors artists who have embodied an independent ethos throughout their career. Reeves will perform her hit song “Heat Wave,” celebrating its 60th birthday this year.
In excitement, Dr. Richard James Burgess, MBE, President, and CEO of A2IM said, “A2IM’s LIBERA AWARDS 2023 is a must-attend event for all music lovers! Celebrate the incredible diversity of the independent music community at the historic Town Hall in New York City, with a huge after-party and dinner celebration at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. Enjoy a night of fun, friends, and music with our host, multi-hyphenate, Hannibal Buress. Two Independent Icon awards will be presented: one to Martha Reeves who will be performing, and celebrating 60 years of, “Heat Wave” and the other to the inimitable Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra, at this unforgettable evening.”
“I haven’t hosted anything in a while, so this will be an interesting night,” said Hannibal Buress. “I’m not sure if I’m crossing WGA picket lines by doing this gig. If I am, my apologies. I stand with the writers, but I also got some shit to do. I’m wearing steel toe boots just in case anyone wants to run onstage unexpectedly.
Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn will bring a section of their heralded 2022 collaborative LP to life at Town Hall, joined by a full orchestra for only the third time. Richard states, “I’m beyond honored to bring ‘Pigments’ to the Libera stage.”
Tamtam said, “Through the universal language of music, my compositions aim to bridge the gap between my Arabic roots and Western influences, celebrating the harmony that arises from cultural diversity. It is with great honor to perform at the Libera Awards in New York, representing myself as a Saudi artist who proudly embraces the power of singing in multiple languages.”
Gaby Moreno added, “I feel blessed and super excited to be performing and attending the Libera Awards for the first time! Never has the indie sector been as vibrant and important as it is right now. To be right in the middle of this with the Libera Awards and Indie Week…this is where I want to be.”
Sudan Archives said, “I’m excited to perform in person in New York this year! This is one I’ve been looking forward to.”
AJ Haynes, lead singer of Seratones said, “It is such an honor to be nominated for best Funk/Soul album—especially alongside artists we deeply respect and admire. We are humbled to leave this album as a gift at the altar of innovation and irresistible revolution that is Funk & Soul music.”
Shemekia Copeland said, “I’m so honored to be nominated and performing at the Libera Awards. Win or lose, I feel like I’ve won something already.”
The Libera Awards is an annual ceremony awarding the work of often overlooked independent artists who, through their groundbreaking accomplishments, have an enormous impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of fans by overcoming obstacles many major label artists are able to avoid. The night provides independent creatives a spotlight and a platform to showcase their unique perspectives, talents, and contributions to the cultural landscape in music. The ceremony will recognize outstanding achievements and accomplishments across all genres and celebrate the hard work and dedication of artists, individuals, and labels in 37 categories
The awards bring together musical pioneers who continue to build on the rich legacy of musical independence for a night of performances, and a multi-genre celebration with leading artists that include 6 nominations for Wet Leg, and 3 nominations each for Sudan Archives, Allison Russell, Fontaines D.C., and Soul Glo plus notable artists such as The Smile, Björk, Tegan and Sara, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mitski, Dolly Parton, Jungle, Bonobo, Khruangbin, Denzel Curry, Run The Jewels, Silvana Estrada, Black Pumas, Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA, Bon Iver, Jack White, Weyes Blood, Angel Olsen, and more. Full list below.
Ticket holders are also invited to the official afterparty and dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe to connect with the who’s-who of the independent sector and will have the opportunity to network, socialize, and celebrate with friends, colleagues, and industry leaders.
Prior to the Libera Awards, A2IM’s Indie Week conference will begin Monday, June 12 to Thursday, June15 at the InterContinental New York Times Square. Learn more. Join A2IM’s membership program to attend here.
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