Local Band Nominated for Music Award

“Basically we’re rock,” says Matt Papanek, “but we lean toward progressive rock.” His band, Black River Union, has just been nominated for Best New Act by the New England Music Awards. Papanek is the quartet’s pianist and lead vocalist. He is joined by a guitarist, a bassist and a drummer, all from Connecticut, who have been playing together for about two years. They will be performing at Bachi’s Ristorante, 46 East Main Street, Torrington, on Friday, March 10. Their first EP can be streamed on Spotify, bought on iTunes, and sampled on BlackRiverUnion.com. Voting for the New England Music Awards continues until March 31, at NEMusicAwards.com.