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WRVO's local showcase: Celebrating CNY’s 2026 Tiny Desk Contest entrants

A promotional graphic featuring the NPR Music and WRVO Public Media 89.9 logos. Large text reads, 'Big dreams, tiny desk.' The words sit over outlined boxes resembling a desk covered in assorted eclectic objects. Additional text indicates the contest is presented by Capital One and supported by Rivian.
NPR Tiny Desk Contest

NPR's Tiny Desk Contest is back for its 12th year, and once again, the independent music community across central and upstate New York has delivered. While we wait for the judges to announce this year's grand prize winner, who will go on to play an iconic NPR Tiny Desk concert and headline a national U.S. tour, WRVO is celebrating the incredible, undiscovered talent right in our own backyard. Local unsigned artists have poured their hearts into these intimate, original performances. This page features our complete showcase of the 29 entries submitted from throughout WRVO's listening area this year. Take a listen, discover a new favorite, and join us in supporting these talented local musicians as they reach for national recognition.

Caviar & Grits

Binghamton, NY

Healing Love Water

Cooperstown, NY

Alex VanTassel

Endicott, NY

izak

Freeville, NY

Cuchulain

Ithaca, NY

Dave & Paula The Boss Monsters

Ithaca, NY

Laura and the Hand Me Downs

Ithaca, NY

Lilac Milk

Ithaca, NY

Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots

Ithaca, NY

Needledrop

Ithaca, NY

New Planets

Ithaca, NY

Noon Fifteen

Ithaca, NY

Papa Muse

Ithaca, NY

Scratched Vinyl

Ithaca, NY

Silver Rein

Ithaca, NY

Ted Walsh and Family

Ithaca, NY

Clove

Manlius, NY

Art Film

Massena, NY

Rae Bleu

New Hartford, NY

The Endless Mountain Derelicts

Phelps, NY

Friend

Potsdam, NY

Chloe & Anthony

Syracuse, NY

Harry Schonberg

Syracuse, NY

Kris Day

Syracuse, NY

Poetry For Boys

Syracuse, NY

Quatro

Syracuse, NY

Stephen Mullane

Syracuse, NY

Benny Bent Tail

Waddington, NY

Andy G. Fagan

Waverly, NY

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.