San Diego Music Awards 2025 nominees announced, voting underway

State of play: The public can vote for winners among nominees in 27 categories through March 31.

• Tickets are also now on sale for the award ceremony at Humphrey's by the Bay on Tuesday, April 29.
• Nathan East — the jazz bassist whose list of collaborators includes Barry White, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Stevie Wonder — will receive a lifetime achievement award.

Between the lines: Last year's artist of the year, national breakout soul stars Thee Sacred Souls, are nominated again.

• They're competing against Anthony Cullins, Cattle Decapitation, Daring Greatly, Kimmi Bitter, Pierce the Veil and Sun Room.

What we're watching: Performers at this year's ceremony include Almost Monday, Euphoria Brass Band, MohaviSoul, miniaturized, The Tourmaliners and Matthew Phillips.

• Lifetime achievement award winner Nathan East will take the stage, too.

Flashback: Past winners at the SDMAs include Eddie Vedder, blink-182, Jewel, Jason Mraz, P.O.D., Switchfoot, Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek,