Melodies N’ Memories: Music Media 2025 Concert Awards: Celebrating the Moments That Defined a Year of Live Music
Live music in 2025 reminded us exactly why we chase shows, festivals, and those once-in-a-lifetime moments that only happen when the lights go down and the music starts. From rain-soaked amphitheaters to intimate club stages, Melodies N’ Memories: Music Media spent the year fully immersed in the live-music world. It was a banner year, with founder Aaron Shriver hitting the road for 60 shows, experiencing the artistry of 363 incredible performers across six states, all in pursuit of the moments that turn live music into lifelong memories. From the vibrant energy of local venues to the awe-inspiring majesty of Red Rocks, every stop on the journey revealed the magic of live music.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThis year brought unforgettable firsts, including Farm Aid and a trip to the legendary Red Rocks, while revisiting beloved venues like The Rave and Joe's on Weed St. With every show, we were reminded why live music remains an irreplaceable part of our lives. These awards honor the passion, creativity, and heart poured into each performance. Join us as we celebrate the standout artists, moments, teams, and venues that defined an extraordinary year for music fans everywhere.
1. Support Act/Opener Of The Year
Opening acts have one of the hardest jobs in live music. They don’t just start the night; they set the tone, earn the crowd, and create the first emotional connection before the headliner ever takes the stage. In 2025, this category was stacked with artists who consistently rose to that challenge.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyNominees included longtime friends of MNM, Greylan James and Ashland Craft, both delivering some of the strongest sets we’ve seen from them to date. Payton Smith, nominated for the second straight year, continued to prove why his performances never disappoint. Edwin McCain showed pure professionalism by powering through illness while opening for Lee Brice. And then there was Stephen Wilson Jr., whose haunting performance at Red Rocks felt like something truly special.
• Greylan James (Ashley Cooke)
• Edwin McCain (Lee Brice)
• Ashland Craft (Meghan Patrick)
• Stephen Wilson Jr. (Eric Church)
• Payton Smith (Priscilla Block)
Edwin McCain earns runner-up honors for sheer grit and heart. Fighting through being visibly ill, he still gave the crowd everything he had, a reminder of what being a true professional looks like.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThe 2025 Opener of the Year belongs to Stephen Wilson Jr. This may very well be the only year his name appears in this category. His Red Rocks performance opening for Eric Church wasn’t just memorable, it was transformative. From the moment he stepped on stage, it was clear this artist is no longer an opener. 2026 and beyond, Stephen Wilson Jr. is headlining.
Photo from Stephen Wilson Jr. Facebook2. 2025 Venue Of The Year
A great venue doesn’t just host a concert; it becomes part of the experience. In 2025, Melodies N’ Memories traveled to venues across six states, discovering new spaces like The Pinnacle & Red Rocks to revisiting familiar favorites. From the intimate energy of Joe’s on Weed Street to the rising reputation of The Salt Shed, to the legendary atmosphere of The Rave, this year reminded us just how much a venue matters.
• The Rave
• Red Rocks
• Salt Shed
• Pinnacle Nashville
• Joe’s On Weed St
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyOur runner-up is The Rave; this venue remains one of the best live music venues in the Midwest. The staff, the sound, and the vibe continue to make it a must-stop for touring artists.
Photo By: Aspire ToursOur 2025 winner is Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Red Rocks takes the top honor, and it’s no surprise. You always hear about epic rain shows at Red Rocks, and this year, we lived one. Between the breathtaking scenery, flawless sound, and unforgettable atmosphere, Red Rocks once again proved why it’s the gold standard for live performances.
3. Best Live Song Of 2025
Few categories were harder to narrow down than Best Live Song. A great live song isn’t just about how it sounds, it’s about how it makes you feel in that moment and how long it stays with you afterward.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyNominees included Niko Moon’s crowd-captivating All That We Need at The Rave, Jessie Murph’s surprising and emotional Hallelujah at Jingle Ball, Kip Moore’s deeply personal Hey Pretty Girl at Country In The Burg, Dave Matthews’ chilling rendition of Crush at Farm Aid 40, and Brandon Lake’s soul-stirring Gratitude at CMA Fest.
• Kip Moore – Hey Pretty Girl (Country In The Burg)
• Jessie Murph – Hallelujah (Jingle Ball)
• Gratitude – Brandon Lake (CMA Fest)
• Dave Matthews – Crush (Live at Farm Aid)
• All That We Need – Niko Moon (The Rave)
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyOur runner-up goes to Dave Matthews’ Crush. It felt like seven minutes where time completely stood still, a moment that froze the crowd in collective silence.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThe Best Live Song of 2025 belongs to Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude.” When he stepped away from the mic and let the crowd carry the song, it was impossible not to feel the weight of that moment. Goosebumps. Silence. Awe. It was a masterclass in emotion and connection.
4. 2025 Best Live Crowd
The best crowds aren’t defined by size; they’re defined by energy, passion, and connection. In 2025, several audiences brought unforgettable intensity. Nominees included Ice Nine Kills at The Rave, whose crowd delivered nonstop chaos, Warren Zeiders selling out The Rave ballroom, Megan Moroney fans taking over Windy City Smokeout, Alex Warren nearly shutting down Summerfest, and, once again, the unstoppable Eric Church & The Church Choir at Red Rocks.
• Megan Moroney at Windy City Smokeout
• Eric Church at Red Rocks (Rain Night)
• Alex Warren at SummerFest
• Ice Nine Kills at The Rave
• Warren Zeiders at The Rave
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyOur runner-up is Alex Warren. His fans packed Summerfest with an energy that matched his meteoric rise in 2025.
Photo By: Anthony D’AngioThe top honor goes to Eric Church and The Church Choir. Fans stood in the rain for over three hours, singing every word as Church delivered a career-spanning set. Baptized by Colorado rain, the Church Choir proved once again that few fanbases in music can match their passion.
5. Best Team / PR & Management
Behind every great tour and festival is a team making the impossible look effortless. Nominees included Schmidt Relations, King Publicity, last year’s winner Missing Piece, and industry powerhouses OH Creative and Essential Broadcast Media.
• OH Creative
• Missing Piece Group
• King Publicity
• Essential Broadcast Media
• Schmidt Relations
Our 2025 runner-up is Essential Broadcast Media. They continue to be a pleasure to work with, professional, approachable, and consistent.
Once again, the 2025 winner goes to Missing Piece. From Kip Moore to Stephen Wilson Jr., Fancy Hagood, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more, Joe and Bobby’s dedication, hospitality, and genuine passion made a lasting impact. Being welcomed into their AmericanaFest experience was humbling, and we’re grateful for the continued collaboration.
6. 2025 Funniest Stage Moment
Live music is unpredictable, and sometimes laughter steals the spotlight. Nominees included Priscilla Block battling a relentless wind fan, David Cook getting derailed by Jingle Bells, Ashley McBryde’s oversized bra moment, Disturbed’s accidental Chicago Bulls banner burn, and Edwin McCain’s brutally honest onstage sickness confession.
• David Cook is distracted by Jungle Bells
• Ashley McBryde Overside Bra at Country Thunder
• Edwin McCain Sick in Rockford W/ Lee Brice
• Disturbed burns Chicago Bulls Banners
• Priscilla Block & the Windy Fan in Chicago
Photo From Ashley Mcbryde’s Instagram PageOur 2025 runner-up is Ashley McBryde. Her oversized bra moment at Country Thunder had the crowd roaring.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThe 2025 winner for Funniest Stage Moment goes to Edwin McCain. Sick, honest, and hilarious, his onstage commentary, including calling a high note “the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done” , was classic Edwin. Whether on or off stage, he remains one of the most entertaining personalities in live music.
7. 2025 Best Multi-Day Music Festival
Festivals are the heartbeat of summer, and 2025 delivered some unforgettable weekends. Nominees included CMA Fest, SummerFest, Summer of ’99, AmericanaFest, and Country In The Burg.
• Country In The Burg
• AmericanaFest
• CMA Fest
• Summerfest
• Summer Of ‘99
Our runner-up goes to last year’s winner, AmericanaFest. This fest continues to be one of the best-curated festivals in music.
Our 2025 winner is Country In The Burg. CITB stood above the rest. Incredible hospitality, a strong lineup, and a charming small-town setting made it unforgettable. Organizer Alex Uhan’s dedication is evident in every detail. If you’re not attending in 2026, you’re missing something special.
8. 2025 Biggest Unexpected Moment
Live music always has a way of keeping you on your toes, and 2025 brought moments of sheer surprise that nobody could have anticipated. One standout moment came when original Disturbed bassist Steve "Fuzz" Kmak reunited with his former bandmates for a set in Chicago. The crowd erupted as he took the stage, creating an electric atmosphere that felt like a nod to the band’s early days. At Windy City Smokeout, Jim Belushi made a second consecutive surprise appearance, instantly sparking excitement and drawing a massive crowd eager to see what he’d do next. Sierra Ferrell added her own touch of magic to Farm Aid 40, joining unannounced and delivering a performance that felt entirely spontaneous yet seamlessly perfect for the event's tone. One of the most emotional moments of the year came courtesy of Old Crow Medicine Show, who took a heartfelt pause during their set to perform a medley honoring artists we lost in the last year, including Toby Keith. Eric Church was missing from the CMA Fest lineup, that didn’t stop him from making an unannounced appearance at Chief’s. Each of these surprises added something truly unique to the year, offering memories that could only come from the unpredictable world of live music.
• Sierra Ferrell Surprises Farm Aid 40
• Eric Church Surprises CMA Crowd at Chiefs
• Jim Belushi returns to Windy City Smokeout
• Old Crow Medicine Show pays tribute to artists we lost
• Original Disturbed Bassist Steve “Fuzz” Kmak plays a set in Chicago
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography Our runner-up goes to Old Crow Medicine Show. Old Crow’s emotional tribute caught everyone off guard that night at Genesee Theater and turned into a standing ovation.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyOur 2025 Most Unforgettable Moment is Eric Church surprising Chiefs during CMA Fest. He walked into Chief’s during CMA Fest, completely unannounced. Not on the lineup? No problem. He made his own moment.
9. 2025 Most Unforgettable Moment
Some performances in 2025 transcended the music, creating moments that deeply resonated with everyone in attendance. At Farm Aid 40, Willie Nelson and Lucas Nelson shared a heartfelt father-son performance, their harmonies blending seamlessly in a way that felt both tender and timeless. In a more solemn yet profoundly moving moment, Lorrie Morgan stood on the CMA Fest stage just days after losing her husband, pouring every ounce of emotion into her performance. Her courage and vulnerability left the crowd visibly moved, making it a night no one present will ever forget. Then there was Luke Combs, making history with his first country headliner at Lollapalooza. Watching a genre-breaker like Luke own the stage, effortlessly bringing a massive and diverse crowd together, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each song felt like a celebration, not just of its success but of the genre’s growing reach and connection with new fans. Brandon Lake turned a quiet Sunday morning at CMA Fest into a moment of shared emotion that rippled through the crowd like a wave. Eric Church baptizes a Red Rock crowd during a 3-hour torrential downpour.
• Luke Combs first country headliner at Lollapalooza
• Brandon Lake’s set at CMA Fest
• Lorrie Morgan at CMA Fest days after her Husband passes
• Eric Church plays a 3-hour set in the Rain at Red Rocks
• Willie Nelson & Lucas Nelson perform together at Farm Aid 40
Photo By: Anthony D’AngioOur runner-up goes to Eric Church’s rain-soaked set at Red Rocks. This was a legendary night.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThe Most Unforgettable Moment of 2025 belongs to Brandon Lake. Turning a Sunday morning at the riverfront into church. It was a breathtaking scene of unity as the audience sang along, their voices rising with his. It was the kind of moment that reminded everyone why live music holds such a powerful place in our hearts.
10. Best Concert of 2025
When thinking about the standout concerts of 2025, certain nights come to mind where everything aligned to create an unforgettable experience. Farm Aid 40 brought together an incredible lineup for a day filled with purpose and passion, each performance contributing to a greater cause. The energy of the crowd and the heartfelt moments shared between artists and fans made it a truly remarkable event. Max McKnown’s show at Schubas offered an entirely different but equally compelling experience. In the intimate venue, his storytelling and connection with the audience felt deeply personal, as if every lyric was meant just for those in the room. Ketch Secor’s performance at Garcia’s brought a raw, stripped-down brilliance that highlighted his talent in its purest form. The simplicity of the setting only amplified the emotional depth of the music. Meanwhile, Brandon Lake’s set at Fiserv Forum showcased his ability to turn a massive arena into what felt like a shared sanctuary, leaving fans inspired and moved. Eric Church at Red Rocks enough said. The rain only heightened the magic as Church delivered a performance that felt almost transcendent, turning a stormy evening into a celebration of resilience, music, and connection.
• Farm Aid 40
• Eric Church at Red Rocks (Rain Night)
• Max McKnown at Schubas
• Ketch Secor at Garcia’s
• Brandon Lake at Fiserv Forum
Our runner-up goes to Farm Aid 40. Our first Farm Aid was breathtaking, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Photo By: Anthony D’AngioThe 2025 Best Concert of the year goes to Eric Church at Red Rocks. Nothing topped Church on the Rocks, three hours in the rain, flawless execution, a perfect opening act, and a crowd that never wavered. Concert of the Year, without question.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography2025 was a year of musical triumphs, emotional connections, and unforgettable moments. Live music once again proved it has the power to heal, inspire, and unite us all. As Melodies N’ Memories: Music Media looks ahead to 2026 on the road, these moments remind us why we do what we do, and why live music will always matter.
