Founded in 1987, the Boston Music Awards are a set of music awards given annually that showcase talent in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. Past shows have featured such notable talent as Aerosmith, Paula Cole, Esperanza Spalding, Boston, Rubyhorse, Bang Camaro, the Dresden Dolls, Dropkick Murphys, JoJo, Pat Metheny, Amanda Palmer, Phish, Donna Summer, Shea Rose, James Taylor and Jada. Selected highlights 2022 The 2022 Boston Music Awards took place on December 14, 2022 at Big Night Live. Cousin Stizz regained their award for "Best Artist of the Year". 2021 After taking a year off due coronavirus pandemic, the Boston Music Awards took place live on December 8, 2021 at the Brighton Music Hall. Once again, BIA took home the "Best Artist of the Year" Award. 2020 The 2020 Boston Music Awards were not conducted in person like in from previous years due to Covid-19. The "Best Artist of the Year" Award went to hip-hop group, BIA. 2019 The 2019 Boston Music Awards took place on December 11, 2019. Cousin Stizz made it back-to-back by winning the "Best Artist of the Year" Award. 2018 The 2018 Boston Music Awards took place on December 12, 2018 at the House of Blues in Boston. Cousin Stizz won "Artist of the Year". 2017 The 2017 Boston Music Awards took place on December 7, 2017, at the House of Blues, Boston. 36 winners were announced with PVRIS taking home the coveted Artist of the Year Award. The night saw 10 live performances from Bad Rabbits, Tall Heights, Weakened Friends, STL GLD, Carissa Johnson, Avenue, no hope / no harm, Latrell James, Camino 84, and Sidney Gish. 2016 The 2016 Boston Music Awards took place on December 8, 2016. PVRIS took home the "Artist of the Year" Award. 2015 The 2015 Boston Music Awards were held on December 9, 2015 at the Sinclair in Cambridge. Awards included: Artist of the year: Speedy Ortiz; Album/EP of the year: Foil Deer by Speedy Ortiz; New Artist of the year: Palehound; Rock/Indie artist of the year: Dirty Bangs; Hip-hop artist of the year: Michael Christmas; Pop artist of the year: Ruby Rose Fox; International artist of the year: Shun Ng; Metal artist of the year: Worshipper; Jazz artist of the year: Lake Street Dive. 2012 Shea Rose: Pop/R&B Artist of the Year 2011 Shea Rose: R&B/Soul/Urban Contemporary Artist of the Year Esperanza Spalding: Jazz Artist of the Year 2010