Announcing the 2026 Hot August Competition

The West Coast Country Music Association is excited to announce the return of the Hot August Competition for 2026, taking place August 7th and 8th at the Promenade Mall in Temecula, California.

COST OF ENTRY: $50 (must be a WCCMA member)

LOCATION: Promenade Mall in Temecula, CA

DATE: August 7th-8th, 2026

TIME: Your timeslot will be sent to you after the registration window

AWARD SHOW: August 9th at 4:30 (location TBA)

Each year, this event brings together talented performers from across the region to showcase their passion for country music and related genres in a supportive and exciting competition environment. Contestants will have the opportunity to perform in front of judges, audiences, and fellow musicians while celebrating the spirit of country music.

The Hot August Competition welcomes performers across multiple age brackets, creating opportunities for both emerging young artists and experienced performers to take the stage. Participants will compete in a variety of genres connected to country music, allowing singers and musicians to showcase their unique styles and influences.

Throughout the two days of competition, performers will take the stage at the Promenade Mall, giving the public an opportunity to enjoy live music and experience the incredible talent within the country music community.

The weekend will conclude with the Hot August Awards Show on August 9th, where winners from each category will be recognized. The official location for the awards ceremony will be announced soon.

Top performers will also have the opportunity to advance beyond the regional level. First and second place winners in qualifying categories will earn the chance to compete at the national competition in March 2027 in Tennessee, representing the West Coast Country Music Association and our community on a national stage.

The Hot August Competition continues to be one of the highlights of the WCCMA calendar, bringing together artists, families, and fans to celebrate the music and the performers who keep the tradition alive.

Additional details, schedules, and registration information will be shared as the event approaches.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

The West Coast Country Music Association would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers.

From organizing events and helping behind the scenes to supporting performers and welcoming guests, our volunteers play an important role in making every WCCMA gathering a success. Their time, energy, and willingness to step in wherever help is needed are what allow our events and performances to run smoothly.

Many of the moments that audiences enjoy most happen because of the hard work that takes place before the music even begins. Setting up stages, coordinating schedules, assisting performers, greeting attendees, and helping manage events are just a few of the many ways our volunteers contribute to the organization.

Beyond the practical help they provide, our volunteers also bring a spirit of encouragement and community that reflects the heart of country music itself. Their support helps create a welcoming environment where artists feel comfortable sharing their talents and audiences feel connected to the music and the people behind it.

WCCMA is truly a community effort, and we are incredibly grateful for everyone who has chosen to give their time to support our mission.

To each of our volunteers, thank you for your continued dedication and for helping us celebrate and support country music on the West Coast.

Your efforts make a lasting difference, and we appreciate all that you do to help keep this organization moving forward.

If you’re looking to volunteer for our next event, you can contact us via the form on our website!

Spotlight on the Performers of WCCMA

One of the most rewarding parts of the West Coast Country Music Association is the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent within our community. From young artists just beginning their musical journey to experienced performers who have spent years perfecting their craft, WCCMA is proud to provide a stage where country music can truly shine.

Country music has always been about storytelling and authenticity. Every performer who steps onto the stage brings their own unique voice, background, and passion for the music. These differences are what make each performance special and what continues to strengthen the country music community here on the West Coast.

WCCMA is dedicated to creating opportunities for artists to perform in a supportive and welcoming environment. For many performers, these events provide valuable stage experience, helping build confidence and allowing musicians to connect with audiences who share a love for country music.

Over the years, the association has welcomed singers, instrumentalists, and songwriters of all ages. Some performers join with years of experience, while others are stepping onto a stage for the very first time. Regardless of where someone is in their musical journey, the encouragement and camaraderie within WCCMA help artists continue to grow.

These performances are more than just entertainment. They represent the dedication, practice, and passion that each artist brings to their music. Seeing performers support one another and celebrate each other’s progress is a reminder of what makes the country music community so special.

As WCCMA continues to grow, we look forward to highlighting even more of the talented artists who make our organization what it is today. Their voices, stories, and performances are at the heart of everything we do.

The Beginning of the West Coast Country Music Association

Maddie Leigh, Long Time Member of WCCMA Competing in the 2014 Hot August Competition

In 2009, the West Coast Country Music Association was founded by Gwyn Sanborn with a clear vision: to create a supportive home for country music artists on the West Coast.

Country music has always been rooted in storytelling, community, and tradition. While the genre is often associated with Nashville and the southeastern United States, there has always been a strong and passionate community of country musicians here on the West Coast who share a deep love for the music and the culture that surrounds it.

Recognizing the need for connection and opportunity within this community, Gwyn Sanborn established WCCMA to bring artists together and provide a place where performers could grow, share their talents, and support one another.

From the very beginning, the association has focused on creating opportunities for performers of all ages and experience levels. Whether someone is stepping on stage for the first time or has been performing for many years, WCCMA exists to encourage artists, build confidence, and help keep the traditions of country music alive.

Through performances, showcases, and community involvement, the organization works to provide artists with a platform where their music can be heard and appreciated. Just as importantly, WCCMA has always been about community. The friendships, mentorship, and encouragement that develop among members are what make the organization truly special.

Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and since its founding, WCCMA has continued to foster that connection between artists and audiences alike.

What began in 2009 as Gwyn Sanborn’s vision for a supportive country music community has grown into an organization dedicated to celebrating the music, encouraging performers, and preserving the spirit of country music on the West Coast.

We are proud of the journey that began with that vision and look forward to continuing to support country music artists for many years to come.