The Irish Music Association have announced that online voting for winners of the 2011 Irish Music Awards is now underway through January 12, 2012.

The awards recognize the Irish music industry’s most accomplished artists and performing groups in 19 categories, from ‘Best Irish Tenor’ to ‘Top Celtic Rock Band Worldwide.’ Recipients will be determined through a global website voting process on the Irish Music Association website which began Dec. 1, 2011.

Members of the Irish Music Association are encouraged to participate in the voting process. Last year, more than 3,000 people voted, and thousands more are expected to participate for the coming award process. To vote, visit: http://www.irishmusicassociation.com.

“We’re urging all of our members who are devoted fans of Irish music to participate in our online voting process for these outstanding groups and individuals. These awards recognize the fantastic achievements of our most talented musicians and artists and the magnificent Irish music they create,” said IMA Executive Director R. T. Reeder.

The IMA Awards “recognize, promote and support Irish music and musicians from the U.S., Ireland, the European Union and the United Kingdom.” Winners will be announced on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012 at 3 p.m. CST in the historic brewery cellars of the 1842 Royal Brewing Company at O’Malley’s Pub in Weston, Missouri.

The Irish Music Award Nominees for 2011 are as follows:

• Top Solo Performer in Concert (US, IRE, EU, UK): Niamh Ni Charra, Meav, Michael Londra, Ryan Kelly
• Top Solo Performer in a Pub Venue (US, IRE, EU, UK): George Donaldson, Luka Bloom, Mickey Coleman, Tony Cummins
• Top Duo in a Pub, Festival, Concert (US, IRE, EU, UK): Ian Walsh and Kevin Buckley, Qristina & Quinn Bachand, The New Barleycorn, The Ryans Irish Band
• Top Group (US, IRE & EU): Gaelic Storm, Lunasa, The Brock McGuire Band, The High Kings
• Best New Irish Music Artist(s) (US, IRE, EU, UK): Ciorras, Fieldstone, The Ryans, The Young Folk
• Top Celtic Rock Band (US, IRE, EU, UK): Barleyjuice, Roger Drawdy & the Firestarters, The Kreellers, The Roving Crows
• Best Irish Tenor (individual): Daryl Simpson, Finbar Wright, Michael Londra, Paddy Homan
• Best Female Vocalist (individual/trad.): Lisa Kelly, Meav, Orla Fallon, Siobhan Owen
• Best Sean-nos Singer: Aine Meenaghan, Brid Ni Mhaoileoin, Iarla O Lionaird
• Top Traditional Performance Show: Celtic Woman, Kintra, Trad on the Prom, Wild Colonial Bhoys
• Top Traditional Group: In Festival, Pub & Concert: Frankie Gavin and Dedannan, McPeake, Slide, Teada
• Tommy Makem Award: Enya, Mairtin de Cogain, Mick Moloney, Tom Sweeney
• Best New Irish CD: Cara – Long Distance Love, Donal McCague – Bits N Pieces, Orla Fallon – My Land, Royseven: You Say, We Say
• Top Uilleann Piper (US, IRE, EU): Diarmaid Moynihan, Michael “Piper” Cooney, Tiarnan O’Duinnchinn, Tommy Martin
• Top Fiddle (US, IRE, EU, UK): Caitlin Barrett, Cora Smyth, Donal McCague, Kevin Burke
• Top Harpist: Cormac De Barra, Kavan Donohoe, Orla Fallon, Seana Davey
• Top Button Accordion (US, IRE, EU, UK): James Keane, John Whelan, Liam O’Connor, Paddy O’Brien
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Carmel Quinn, Paddy Keenan, Patrick Healy, Patsy Whelan
• Hall of Fame: Phil Lynott

Reeder, who founded the organization in 2003, said that this year has seen a record number of nominations and votes to date. “This outpouring of support reflects a growing appreciation and love for the music of Ireland,” he said.

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