Singer-songwriter Katie Dobbins nominated for New England Music Awards

GILFORD — Gilford native and Lakes Region singer-songwriter Katie Dobbins has been nominated for Performer of the Year by the 2026 New England Music Awards Committee.

For Dobbins, the recognition comes after a lifetime of playing music in various capacities and over a decade building a music career as a singer-songwriter — performing across New England while continuing to invest in the local Lakes Region community that raised her.

Over the years, Dobbins has grown from playing local stages to performing at venues and events throughout the region, while her hometown has remained at the heart of her career. She has been named Best Music Act — Solo in Best of the Lakes Region for three consecutive years and has performed at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion’s Hazy Little Stage in Gilford, a particularly meaningful milestone for an artist who grew up just down the road.

Dobbins is also the creator and host of the monthly Songwriter RoundUp at Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery in Meredith. Now in its fourth year, the listening-room series brings local and regional songwriters together for an intimate Nashville-style “in the round” performance, giving Lakes Region audiences an opportunity to hear original music and the stories behind the songs.

While much of Dobbins’ career takes her throughout New England, she continues to be deeply involved in her local community, leading worship at Alpine Church, a year-round outdoor church at Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, ministering through music regularly at Isaiah 61 Café in Laconia, and donating her talents to The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction for various fundraising events. Dobbins values her local community immensely, and her deep roots inspire much of her songwriting.

A singer-songwriter known for heartfelt folk-pop and acoustic storytelling, Dobbins has released two albums and several singles over the course of her career. Her music centers on hope, faith, resilience and the experiences that bring people together.

The New England Music Awards recognize artists and music industry professionals from throughout the six New England states. Dobbins’ Performer of the Year recognition marks her seventh nomination in various categories from the organization.

Voting is open to the public, and supporters can vote once every day through Oct. 9.

To vote for Katie Dobbins for Performer of the Year, visit nemusicawards.com, vote, and select her name in the Performer of the Year category.

For more information about Katie Dobbins, her music and upcoming performances, visit katiedobbinsmusic.com.