Program Manager Nick Carswell Wins a Phoenix Award

Nick Carswell has short brown hair and black rimmed glasses and is pictured playing an electric guitar on stage with a vibrant purple background

Nick Carswell playing the guitar. (Photo credit: Fally Afani)

Thu, 12/04/2025

Martha Helen Kehr

Join Audio-Reader in congratulating our Program Manager, Nick Carswell, as his tireless efforts to support local music have been recognized by the Phoenix Awards. The award is meant "to honor remarkable artistic contributions within our community,” according to a news release from the city, and Carswell's specific award is in the Musical Arts and Advocacy category.

One of the many groups Carswell works with to promote and advocate for local music is the Lawrence Music Alliance whose mission is "to serve as a bridge between the local music community and the city itself, facilitating engagement and collaboration for the benefit of all." From his list of accolades on his Lawrence Music Alliance profile, "Nick is a Creative Industries Specialist for the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, a Senior Artist Leadership Fellow for the Mid-America Arts Alliance's Artist INC program, and a board member for the Heartland Song Network."

According to The Lawrence Time's recent article, "The recipients will be given their awards during a ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, during the second day of the Winter Inclusive Market. It’s free to attend and all are welcome."

Carswell also has close ties with Kansas Public Radio through his show "105 Live." KPR recently reported, "105 Live is a contemporary music show, showcasing new and noteworthy music from all 105 counties in Kansas, Allen through Wyandotte. Celebrating and promoting music made right here in Kansas, each show will include an in-studio session recorded in KPR’s live performance studio, as well as interviews with selected artists, album debuts and more.

Hosted by musician Nick Carswell, an Irish native who has lived in Lawrence since 2011, the show’s goal is to find music from each of the 105 counties in Kansas, and submissions are open now. Interested Kansas artists can submit music using this form or can mail EPKs and media releases to kansas105live@gmail.com."

With so much time and energy dedicated to supporting local musician and arts alliances, it comes as no surprise that Carswell was chosen for this amazing honor.

Congratulations, Nick, and thank you for all you do to support local music!!