Rejoice, local music fans: the 2014 New England Music Awards nominees have been announced. Local stars will align at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on February 22, and the show’s nominees include a range of talents from Harvard, Mass. singer-songwriter Ashley Jordan (Country Act of the Year) to Boston Calling openers Bad Rabbits (Best in State: Massachusetts). Deer Tick, the Mallet Brothers Band, Gentlemen Hall, Della Mea and Kingsley Flood will duke it out for the night’s top prize: Band of the Year. Hosted by comedian Steve Sweeney, the event will also feature performances by bands including Nemes, Dressed for the Occasion and recent Deli New England featured artist Sarah Borrello. Tickets for the event are available online now, and you can check out (and vote!) for the nominees here. – Jake Reed