2025 Honorees

Jennifer Batten

Jennifer Batten has been playing guitar since age 8. She is a graduate of Musicians Institute. She performed for Michael Jackson for all of his solo tours for 10 years followed by recording and touring with Jeff Beck for 3 years. She has 3 solo CD’s out and 3 trueFire.com instructional DVDs. She performed a Las Vegas residency for Cirque Du Soleil and continues to tour the globe in various formats, from bands, to solos shows, to clinics, to master classes. She received the She Rocks “Icon” award and was inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s “Gallery of the Greats.”

Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey Stirling is a multi-award-winning electronic violinist, dancer, and composer who has captivated audiences worldwide with her genre-blending performances and electrifying stage presence. Known for merging classical violin with electronic music, Stirling has amassed a massive global following, with over 13.7 million YouTube subscribers and 3 billion views on her channel. Her performances regularly sell out iconic venues around the world, and she has released multiple chart-topping albums, including Artemis, which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Albums chart. A New York Times bestselling author and creator of her own comic book, Stirling continues to break artistic boundaries with her innovative approach to music and visual storytelling. Her latest album, Duality, showcases a new level of freedom in her songwriting and blends personal reflection with a bold, diverse sound. Stirling’s work resonates with fans across the globe, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and inner strength. She was honored with a She Rocks Award in 2024.

Samantha Fish

GRAMMY-nominated world-class guitarist and songwriter Samantha Fish effortlessly blends blues, rock, and soul to create a unique sound, with live performances that testify to her status as a true musical powerhouse. Last September, Fish was contacted by Eric Clapton and invited to perform at his Crossroads LA Festival. She appeared on the cover of Guitar World with Slash, then toured with him as part of his highly anticipated S.E.R.P.E.N.T Tour, followed by opening for the Rolling Stone. Her most recent effort, Death Wish Blues (Rounder Records), a collaboration with renegade rocker Jesse Dayton, topped the Billboard Blues Chart for three consecutive weeks. Whether she is powerfully delivering soulful blues rock or baring her soul with an acoustic ballad, Samantha Fish’s live performances are a testament to her status as a true musical force to be reckoned with.

Paula Cole

Paula Cole is a GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer, best known for her hits “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don’t Want to Wait,” both of which remain playlist staples and radio favorites. In 1997, she won the GRAMMY for Best New Artist and later made history as the first woman nominated for a GRAMMY in the “Producer of the Year” category. Over the years, Cole has broadened her musical reach, exploring jazz and folk standards while maintaining her signature style of introspective, socially conscious songwriting. Her albums Ballads, American Quilt, and Revolution earned her critical acclaim, with NPR calling her a “boundary-pushing feminist trailblazer” for integrating powerful social statements into her work. Her latest album, Lo, released in March 2024, marks her return to original songwriting after nearly a decade, continuing her legacy of fearless, thought-provoking music.

Alecia “Mixi” Demner

Alecia “Mixi” Demner is a dynamic musician who has carved a unique path in the hard rock world. Mixi began her musical journey on the tuba before discovering her passion for guitar as a teenager. In 2010, Mixi founded Stitched Up Heart, channeling her artistic vision into a band that has since become a standout in the hard rock scene. After independently releasing two EPs and booking their own tours, the band signed with Sony/Century Label Group in 2015. They’ve since released three powerful full-length albums, with their fourth highly anticipated release slated for 2025. Stitched Up Heart has toured with rock heavyweights like Godsmack, Halestorm, and In This Moment and performed at renowned festivals such as Welcome to Rockville, and Aftershock. Mixi is also a passionate advocate for animal rescue. She has fostered over 100 kittens and works to raise awareness for organizations like Kitten Rescue in Los Angeles.

Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer is a singer, songwriter, playwright, and performance artist who first rose to fame as part of the punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls. Known for pushing artistic boundaries, Palmer’s solo career includes the fan-funded Theatre Is Evil, which debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and remains the top-funded music project on Kickstarter. Her TED talk, The Art of Asking, has over 20 million views and led to a New York Times best-selling memoir of the same name. In 2019, she released There Will Be No Intermission, a deeply personal album exploring themes of life, death, and loss. After spending time in New Zealand during the pandemic, Palmer is now back in the U.S., working on new music and touring with The Dresden Dolls.

AIJIA

AIJIA is a singer-songwriter and vocal producer whose pop music blends unforgettable hooks with emotionally raw lyrics. Her recent singles, including the piano ballad “For You” and the anthem “Magic,” showcase her depth and emotional range. Born and raised in Los Angeles, AIJIA comes from a deeply musical family, and she began writing songs in her teens. She has performed with artists like Rachel Platten, Colbie Caillat, and Selena Gomez, while her songwriting has appeared in TV, films, and commercials. A dedicated advocate for social justice, AIJIA serves as an ambassador for Rock Camp for Girls. Her song “For You,” inspired by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony, raised funds for TIME’S UP and highlighted female solidarity. She is currently working on a full-length album with producer Phinisey, focusing on a sound that balances timeless melodies with innovative storytelling.

Katie Daryl

Katie Daryl is a rock journalist and former Vice President of Programming & Original Development at AXS TV, where she produced and hosted popular shows like The Top Ten Revealed and Sounds Delicious. With nearly two decades of experience in music and television, she has worked with top stars and brands, producing acclaimed content across multiple platforms. Daryl began her career as a radio DJ and later worked as a reporter for MTV and a producer for networks like VH1, CBS, and TMZ. Her notable credits include producing True Music and At Home And Social, featuring exclusive performances by Bon Jovi, Nancy Wilson, and more.

Christine Schyvinck

Christine Schyvinck is the Chairman, President, and CEO of Shure Incorporated, a global leader in microphones and audio electronics. She is one of the few women in executive leadership in the pro audio industry. Since joining Shure in 1989 as a Quality Control Engineer, Schyvinck has held multiple leadership roles, including overseeing operations and global marketing. Under her leadership, Shure has expanded its global presence and significantly increased sales. Schyvinck holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in Engineering Management from Northwestern University. She continues to blend her passions for music and engineering, driving Shure’s innovation and success​.

Nurit Siegel Smith

Nurit Siegel Smith is the Executive Director of Music Forward Foundation, a national nonprofit and charitable partner of Live Nation Entertainment, dedicated to transforming young lives, inspiring careers, and fostering inclusivity in the music industry. With over two decades of experience, she has held influential roles at organizations like Blue Man Group, SAG-AFTRA Foundation, and Grand Performances. At Music Forward, Nurit oversees initiatives like Crew Nation, a global relief fund that has provided $18 million in grants to music crew members worldwide. She is also on the boards of Californians for the Arts and California Arts Advocates, and has a background as a performer and creative strategist, with work spanning TV, film, and stage.

Theresa Hoffman

Theresa Hoffman, Director of Custom Shop Sales at C.F. Martin Guitar & Co., is a seasoned leader with a proven track record in driving sales, market expansion, and enhancing consumer experiences. In her two decades with Martin, Theresa has excelled in roles ranging from District Sales Manager for the Northeast to International Sales Manager for Europe, Latin America, and Canada, consistently surpassing growth targets. Before focusing on sales, she brought her expertise to Martin as an Engineering Project Manager, leading innovative projects and securing two patents. A Muhlenberg College alumna, Theresa remains committed to professional growth, engaging in industry programs and leadership summits.

Beth Heidt

Beth Heidt serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson Brands, where she leads global marketing, artist relations, partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives through Gibson Gives. With over seven years at Gibson, Beth has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global strategy, elevating artists, and forging impactful partnerships across entertainment, film, and television. A passionate advocate for music education and wellness, Beth also serves on the boards of Gibson Gives and the Save The Music Foundation, driving initiatives that bring the gift of music to communities worldwide.

Rozanna Weinberger

Shantaia

Shantaia is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter from Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, known for her powerful and unique vocals. Named the 2023 SCMA Female Artist of the Year, she has toured with The Washboard Union and opened for major artists such as Kane Brown, Chris Lane, and Ryan Hurd. Shantaia has performed at major festivals across Canada and the U.S., including Cavendish Beach Music Festival and Americana Fest. Her singles, “Had A Good Weekend” and “Broke to Brand New,” have earned impressive chart positions and millions of streams, with her concept album Exes and Friends further solidifying her rise as a country star. Shantaia is currently releasing new music with Universal Music Canada and is hosted by PRS Guitars.