Brian Dowd
As we head into the final stretch of another great (if not a bit scorching) summer, I feel it’s a great time to reflect on what makes summers here in Worcester so great. Pool parties at your buddy’s house — who actually paid attention in school. Heading to the local ice cream shop for a couple of scoops of purple cow or whatever lesser flavor you like. A trip over the bridge down the Cape for oysters and lobster rolls or, for the real thrill-seekers, up to Hampton Beach for fried dough and a good old-fashioned fistfight.
Those things are all unquestionably great, but there’s nothing more quintessentially Worcester than a summer night out on the town. They don’t call her the “Paris of the ’80s” for nothing. I like the nightlife, baby. Busting out of work on a warm, sunny Friday like it’s the last day of school, heading to a nearby bar or venue, taking that first cold sip of [enter your beverage of choice here], and basking in the warm glow of sweet summer freedom and ancient neon beer signs with friends old and new is what this life of ours is all about. Last night was a movie, and what does every movie need? A soundtrack, of course. And here in the old heart of the Commonwealth, that soundtrack, more often than not, comes from one of our many outstanding local acts.
If you’ve spent any time out at night in our fair city (which, if you’re reading Pulse, I assume you have), I don’t have to tell you the local music scene is thriving. With what feels like more live music options than ever, no matter what genre you’re into, someone is performing it somewhere and performing it really well. A great live act can take an ordinary night to another level, and there’s no shortage of talent in the Worcester scene today.
So don’t you think these acts deserve a little recognition? Maybe, I don’t know, an award? Yeah! A music award! Not just any music award, but a Worcester Music Award! Well, would you look at that, your pals here at Pulse have just the thing…
Without further ado, I welcome you to the official preview of the 2026 Pulse Magazine Worcester Music Awards!
Shaun Connolly Takes the Stage
Your host and master of ceremonies will be none other than Pulse’s own, the man behind “Shaun Knows Sports?,” Shaun Connolly. Returning for his third consecutive WMA as host (that’s a three-peat, sports fans). He promises to keep the show flowing and entertaining.
“I just honestly need to keep it moving along. You know, award shows, especially with a bunch of categories, they can get really slow and sloshy, and I really try to keep the show moving so people don’t get bored.”
No dull moments here, folks! A 17-year veteran of the local comedy scene, Connolly is sure to make it a fun night.
“The show is the community coming together. I mean, it’s a small part of a larger art scene in Worcester, and I think it is thriving…this award show is a great way to dip your toe in and find out what’s going on…It’s like a greatest hits of the city.”
Local Artists Shine
Now, what would a music award show be without some live music, right? Lame, that’s what! So I’m happy to report we’ve got four incredible local acts ready to take the WMA stage: Young Man Winter, Colt and the Coyotes, Legacy Legend and Whiskey 6.
Young Man Winter, the 2025 WMA Best Rock Act, comprised of James Dunseith (vocals, keys), Sergio Marcucci (guitar), PJ McQuade (vocals, guitar), Daniel Newman (drums) and Greg Przygoda (bass), combines melodic indie rock with ’90s alternative influences. We are talking jangly guitars and infectious hooks that capture the DIY, blue-collar spirit of the Worcester music scene.
Guitarist Sergio Marcucci wasn’t shy about his feelings about the Worcester music scene.
“The Worcester music scene has honestly been the best part of our experience as a band. From our very first house show, we’ve felt supported by other musicians, venues and people who genuinely care about keeping the local scene alive. We’ve made friendships, found collaborators, and grown as a band because of this community, and we’re incredibly grateful to be a small part of something that feels so welcoming, creative and DIY.”
Worcester-born roots, rock and soul outfit Colt and the Coyotes formed in the most Worcester of ways: over a couple of pints at Vincent’s. The band lives by the mantra “music is communal, the stage is porous and a good night should end with everybody singing.”
While the core band is comprised of Andrew DelCid (vocals and guitar), Emily Colton (lead vocals), Fred Bement (harmonica and percussion), Reid Angwin (electric guitar, programming), Jobeth Umali, Timmy Gilligan, Ben Cook, Andy Caplan (drums — that’s right, four drummers) and Aaron Foy (bass), the band features a rotating cast of frequent collaborators, including founding member Cote Shaw.
They believe in “destroying the barrier between performer and audience” and that their shows are “less about watching a band than joining one.”
Up-and-coming hip-hop artist Legacy Legend is hard to put in a box. His musical career started as a child, traveling with his church, singing, as well as playing piano and drums. From there, he started hitting local open mics, releasing music and connecting with audiences.
“Performing here means everything,” he says. “This is home base, so showing love to the city that helped shape me and rocking the stage in front of the local crowd is always special. I truly have prepared myself and still am learning as I go to ensure I do what it takes to be a voice for many others with no voice and to make my city proud of their new uprising artist with an original and different sound.”
This one is a can’t-miss.
Finally, if you prefer a little twang in that thang, country rockers Whiskey 6 may be your cup of tea (or shot of whiskey am I right?… Don’t worry, I will not be performing stand up at the WMAs.) Whiskey 6 is comprised of Livv Tsetsilas (vocals), Stephanie Briere (vocals), George Politis (guitar/vocals), Keith Ryan (drums), Al Villagracia (bass) and Matt Marcus (keyboard.)
One of the fastest emerging acts in New England right now, Whiskey 6 has opened for huge country acts across the nation and was selected by the Red Sox organization to perform at Fenway Park for “Country Night.” All of this has prepared them for their biggest stage yet, the 2026 WMAs. Guitarist George Politis assured me they’re up to the task and excited to play the Worcester crowd.
“Worcester is a music town and to perform there and be a part of the culture means only one thing. Simply put, you’re doing something right!”
All About Community
The Worcester Music Awards are sure to be a great night of celebrating the community of artists that call our great city home — the soundtrack to our night out. In closing, I’ll leave you with an excellent quote from Colt and the Coyotes’ Andrew DelCid:
“Getting to play the Worcester Music Awards isn’t really about an awards show. It’s a chance to celebrate this weird, prolific, interconnected music community we’re lucky enough to be part of, and maybe raise a glass to the people who helped build it along the way. Keep Worcester Weird, and have a hot dog while you’re at it!”
Well said, Andrew, and don’t mind if I do.
Oh, and one more thing! Make sure to get there early for a set by artist, producer and Doherty High School alum Kool Kojak, aka Worcester’s own Al Grigg. Al is the man behind some huge hits including Flo Rida’s No. 1 hit “Right Round” and has worked with every big name in the game from Ariana Grande to Britney Spears to Weezer to… Ed Helms? Cool!
The 2026 Pulse Magazine Worcester Music Awards will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Off The Rails, 7 to 10 p.m. See you there.
