A new event is to shine the spotlight on – and fully recognise – original music in the Dorset area.

They’re the Original Music Awards Dorset, otherwise known as OMAs.

Created by Matt Black, pictured left, and Mel Berkhauer from Hangover Ltd, and founders of Live And Unheard, movers and shakers from the music scene have been invited to collaborate and come together for a  special awards night on January 20, 2023.

Industry guests will present 13 awards with more than 30 nominated music acts.

Nominees will be contacted by November 20.

The categories are:

• Best Solo Act
• Best Newcomer
• Best Band
• Best Small Band (Duo/Trio)
• Best Festival
• Best Open Mic Night
• Best Event Support
• Best Promoter
• Best Original Music Venue
• 3 x Contribution To Original Music Scene.

Organisers say the objective is to celebrate original music in the Dorset area and connect the community together as well as engage the national music industry.

The headline sponsor is Absolute Music, the retailer, recording studios and education provider.

Award sponsors include Sontronics microphones; Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre For The Arts and Forest FM.

Other organisations invited are BBC Music Introducing, PPL and Musicians Union.

More are to be announced.

Industry representatives have been requested to nominate for each category.

The ‘supportive panel’ alongside a variety of live music venues include:

• Dave Chinery – Rock Regeneration, pictured right
• Tim Heywood – Rock Regeneration and Live Wire
• Ian Bennett – Forest FM
• Ski – The Jimmy Hillbillies and We Make Events
• Suzy Wheeler – Absolute Music and Strawberry Fields RePresents.

The Original Music Awards Dorset will be held at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne which will be transformed into a rock and roll awards venue.

Tickets include a meal option.

The box office will open once the nominations have been announced later this month.

Updates will be released each week via the Facebook page.

Enquiries can be sent to oma@absolutemusic.co.uk