As a first-time nominee, Hartland’s The Scene Promotions takes home he hardware at the 2026 Music NB Awards
The 2026 Music NB Awards took place on Oct. 22 in Moncton at the Aberdeen Centre. This year, a Carleton County business took home a big win.
The Scene Promotions, a production company founded in 2022 and based in Hartland, has produced more than 50 concerts, festivals, community events, and hosts the annual Battle of the Bands in Woodstock, winning Music NB’s Champion of the Year as a first-time nominee.
Corey Crouse runs The Scene Promotions; he said winning feels surreal, especially because a jury selects the winner.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been chosen from such a strong group of nominees, including someone who has helped pave the way for shows in West NB, Mitch Biggar of Folk’d Up Records. Just being nominated alongside people like Mitch was an honour in itself,” said Crouse.
“When I started The Scene Promotions, winning an award like this wasn’t something I ever imagined. I just wanted to bring more live music and entertainment to our little corner of New Brunswick. To have that work recognized at a provincial level is pretty special and not something that I take lightly.”
For Crouse, the award means more than recognition; it reminds him that his team’s work in the Upper River Valley matters. He strongly believes in the power of smaller communities and how they help artists connect better with an audience.
“Putting on shows in rural New Brunswick comes with its challenges, but there’s something really special about seeing a welcoming room full of people come together for live music, especially when it’s an artist they’ve never heard before,” said Crouse.
The Scene Promotions wasn’t the only business in the Western Valley to be nominated. Carleton North’s Second Wind Music Centre was nominated for “Venue of the Year,” and Perth-Andover’s Larlee Creek Hullabaloo for “Festival of the Year.”
The award for “Venue of the Year” ended up going to Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton, and “Festival of the Year” went to the Shediac Lobster Festival and the Paddlefest Music and Nature Festival.
After their win, Crouse took to social media to hint at some new winter events. He told the River Valley Sun there could be live shows and that The Scene Promotions is connecting the area with Atlantic Canada music in new ways.
“Let’s just say there might be a few reasons to get out of the house this winter, and maybe even something you can enjoy without leaving the house,” said Crouse.
Crouse thanked everyone who has supported the business.
“The artists who trust me to put on their shows, the venues and community partners willing to take a chance on an idea like BIG Battle of The Bands, and especially the people who buy tickets and show up, as well as Ken Moir whose excellent work with The Scene Report blog has been such a benefit to our community,” said Crouse.
This award means more to Crouse than a title; it spotlights small community talent.
“I hope this award helps shine a little more light on the incredible music community we’re building here. It also gives me encouragement to keep pushing forward, trying new things, and finding more ways to bring people together through music,” said Crouse.
“I think sometimes we underestimate what small towns are capable of. We have incredible talent, passionate people, and communities that genuinely want to see things happen.
