Tampa Bay Music Network 19th Annual Awards Showcase

St. Petersburg, Fl

The walls of OCC Roadhouse & Museum in St. Petersburg, FL shook with pure adrenaline as the 19th Annual Awards Ceremony from Tampa Bay Music Network exploded into life on March 15th. What started as a free community event quickly transformed into an all-day rock spectacle—an electrifying celebration of the bands that keep the Tampa Bay music scene loud, raw, and unstoppable. From the moment the gates opened at noon, the crowd knew they were in for something special. 🤘🔥

With an all-local lineup and a full day of live music ahead, the anticipation buzzed through the venue like electricity in the air. Fans packed in early, grabbing tables and staking their spots near the stage as the amps warmed up and the first guitars began to roar.

Opening the day with thunderous intensity was Maximum Friction, who wasted no time igniting the crowd. Their performance blasted through the venue the gritty riffs and raw energy, of their single “Sick” instantly setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable day of music. They did not just open the show—they kicked the door down and dared the rest of the lineup to keep up.

The momentum surged forward when Flo Raw took the stage. Tight, confident, and full of swagger, they always leave every drop of sweat and ounce of energy on stage. From TY Vongneneneko’s behind the neck shredding, Bobby’s high energy bass playing, Karly Johnson’s powerful vocal range, and Lilee Vongneneneko’s thundering performance behind the kit.
An emotional cover of Linkin Park’s 2000 smash hit “In The End” featuring drummer Lille Vongneneneko filling the part of Mike shinoda, sent the entire crowd of musicians and fans into a whirl of emotion. There is no question why they’re awarded

2025 “Rock Band of The Year” & 2025 “Best Live Performance”

Next came Fusebox, bringing a polished yet powerful performance that blended melody with punchy rock attitude. Their sound filled the room with a contagious groove, as “The Fusebox Nation” took over the floor. While David “DK” Kraig’s emotional Vocal performance, pulled fans deeper into the experience and turning the venue into a sea of nodding heads and raised hands.
Fusebox was recognized as the areas “Favorite Alternative/Grunge Band”

When Flannel Riot stepped up, the atmosphere shifted into full nostalgic overdrive. Their alternative rock sound, dripping with ‘90s influence, struck a perfect chord with the crowd. It was loud, emotional, and unmistakably authentic—the kind of set that reminds everyone why live music still hits harder than anything else.

Flannel Riot, was recognized as the areas “Favorite 90s/2000s Alternative”

As evening rolled in, the temperature inside the venue climbed when Synr unleashed their set. Flames in their branding matched the heat they brought to the stage. Heavy riffs, commanding vocals, and relentless energy turned the room into a storm of sound and movement. The crowd went live as the unleashed an onslaught of heavy hits for the era that defined Numetal.
Synr, was awarded “Best Dance, Rock, Country Band”


One of the most exciting surprises of the day came from Nicaea, TBMN’s special guest.

Instead of a single set, they appeared between band changeovers on the side stage, delivering quick bursts of music that kept the crowd fired up. These intimate performances felt almost secretive—like the audience was witnessing a rising force in the local scene before the rest of the world catches on.




Keeping the event on its toes, with an onslaught of high energy and the volume level maxed out Skunkhammer. From 90s grunge to 2000s Nu-Metal, Skunkhammer delivered a set only fitting for the energy to wrap up this historic event. The stage became a nitro drag strip, hight octane performance left the air buzzing and amps smoking.
Skunkhammer, was awarded “Best Rock Party Band” and they checked every box to qualify!

Also recognized but did not perform, Saints of Saturn, as the ares “Up & Coming Rock Band of The Year” The Saints have been busy recording their debut studio album in Nashville. While they could not perform tonight, they definitely deserve to be recognized for their hard work across the local scene the last couple of years and definitely a band to keep an eye on.


Then came the grand finale., Greye honored as TBMN’s Original Band of the Year, closing the night. There was no questioning their nomination. Proudly labeling themselves as “The New Era of Southern Rock” they gave every reason and more to distinguish that label.

More than just a concert, the 19th Annual TBMN Awards Ceremony was a full-blown celebration of Tampa Bay’s music community. Artists, fans, photographers, and supporters all packed into one room with a shared mission: keep local music alive and loud.

If this night proved anything, it is that the Tampa Bay scene is not just thriving—it’s exploding with talent, passion, and a sound that refuses to be ignored. And if you were not there this year, one thing is certain… you’ll want to be when it happens again. 🎸🔥⚡