BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR
CV Journalism Collaborative
Modesto’s most enduring celebration of local music returned as the 2026 MAMA Awards handed out trophies to area artists, venues and events.
The Modesto Area Music Association held its annual award show on Oct. 20 at a packed, invite-only State Theatre filled with friends and family of nominees. The event was also live-streamed on the ModestoView Facebook page.
“It’s such a great celebration of culture and music in Modesto,” said Chris Ricci, co-founder of MAMAs, who noted it was the event’s 27th year.
MAMAs co-Founder Chris Murphy said more than 4,780 votes were cast online across 17 categories this year. Murphy took the stage with fellow musicians to honor Jim Burgett, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award that evening.
Burgett is a local rock and roll guitarist who, at the height of his fame, opened for bands like The Grateful Dead. In the late 1950s he and his friends brought the genre to life by promoting concerts and organizing dances in the Central Valley, Murphy told the audience.
At 91, Burgett accepted the award, along with acknowledgements from both the cities of Modesto and Ceres for his contribution to music in the region.
The audience was filled with youth performers and hometown heroes like Burgett. Mentors took the stage to honor their students, and winners thanked their inspirations.
More than 150 groups and performers were nominated in categories including best youth band, best venue and best event. Here are this year’s winners:
Best Alternative Indie Rock
Odd Eights
Best Hard Rock/Metal Band
Ezoterik
Best Country /Americana
Nathan Ignacio
Best Jazz & Blues
Johnny Valdez
Best Punk
The Flowers
Best Unplugged
Zoey Rae
Best Youth
Left on Red
Best Blue Collar
Midnight Haze
Best Drag
Grease Paint
Best Latin Band
Mike Torres Jr Band
Best Comedy
Athena Rodriguez
Best Event
MoPride in the Park
Best DJ
DJ Chopstiqs
Best Brewery
Dying Breed
Best Venue
Queen Bean Coffee House
Best Urban/Hip Hop
Big Rojo
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jim Burgett
