PASADENA, CA — September 2026 — The Independent Music Empowered (IME) Awards will return for their third annual celebration on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the historic Ice House Theatre in Pasadena, California, bringing together music and entertainment professionals for an evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals whose work continues to shape the industry.
Founded by music executive Julius Darrington, the IME Awards were created to recognize the many contributors to music who extend beyond the traditional spotlight. From producers, songwriters and A&R executives to managers, creatives, media personalities and community leaders, the awards shine a light on the diverse professionals who help develop talent, create music and sustain the culture surrounding it.
The 2026 celebration will be hosted by Junior LLedo and will honor an accomplished class of music industry professionals whose contributions span songwriting, production, artist development, management, A&R, community impact and musical creativity.
2026 IME AWARDS HONOREES
● Voice of the Culture Award — Sway Calloway
● Timeless Music Icon Award — Eric B
● Legendary Producer Award — Brian Alexander Morgan
● Golden Pen Songwriter Award — Candice Pillay
● Producer of the Year Award — Jesse Corparal Wilson
● Sound Alchemist Award — Angie Randisi
● Community Award — Scorp Dezel
● Legacy A&R Award — Kevin Evans
● Manager of the Year Award — Frankie Santella
● Legendary Songwriter Award — Eritza Laues
● Musical Visionary Award — Al Sherrod Lambert
As the IME Awards enter their third year, Darrington’s vision remains centered on creating meaningful recognition for the individuals helping shape the present and future of music and entertainment.
The evening will bring together members of the music and entertainment community for a celebration of achievement, creativity, resilience and the continued evolution of music culture.
EVENT DETAILS
3rd Annual IME AwardsSunday, October 18, 2026Ice House Theatre
24 N. Mentor AvenuePasadena, CA
TICKETS
Guaranteed seating tickets are available through the Ice House Theatre ticketing platform:
Purchase Guaranteed Seating Tickets
ABOUT THE IME AWARDS
The Independent Music Empowered (IME) Awards were founded by Julius Darrington to recognize artists, executives, producers, songwriters, creatives and industry professionals whose contributions help shape music and culture.
The annual celebration provides a platform for honoring established industry pioneers and emerging voices while highlighting the many individuals working behind the scenes to move the industry forward.
Since its inception, the IME Awards have sought to acknowledge the diverse roles that contribute to the development of talent, the creation of music and the continued growth of music culture.
MEDIA CONTACT
IME Awards
Monique TM | Event Coordinator | PR & Communications
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.imeawards26.com
© 2026, Logan. All rights reserved.
