BDKV Presents First Best Of Live Awards
The German Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV) has presented the inaugural Best Of Live Award (BOLA), recognising outstanding achievements across the live entertainment sector.
The awards were handed out last night during a gala dinner at the BDKV General Assembly at Hotel Palace Berlin, where more than 250 industry representatives attended the sold-out event.
The new awards honour excellence across eight categories, alongside a special “Legend” award for lifetime contribution. The launch follows more than 130 submissions, extensive jury deliberations and a member vote.
BDKV President and jury chair Sonia Simmenauer said the award highlights “the diversity, creativity, and professionalism of our live entertainment industry”, while managing director Johannes Everke noted that BOLA aims to celebrate “those who create unforgettable live moments every day with high standards and great passion.”
BOLA 2025 Winners
Masterpiece (Classical Event)
Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival – 40th Anniversary
Rockstar (Rock/Pop Event)
Peter Fox – “Love Songs” Tour 2024
All Artists Agency GmbH
Word Up (Word & Comedy Event)
Sebastian Fitzek – “The Biggest Thriller Show in the World”
Peripherique pq-world GmbH
Magic Moment (Show & Entertainment)
Casper – SchücoArena Bielefeld, 15 June 2024
YOU CAN TALK TO US. GmbH & Co. KG
Landstreicher Booking GmbH
DSC Arminia Bielefeld GmbH & Co. KGaA
Crunch Time Promotion Event Agency Marc Huelsewede
Companion (Artist Development)
KKT GmbH – Kiki’s Little Tour Service (Kiki Ressler)
Avant-garde (Creative Concepts / New Approaches)
UNDERCONSTRUCTION – Undercover GmbH
Impact (Sustainability in Live Entertainment)
Kulturzentrum Schlachthof Wiesbaden e.V.
Encore (Live Experience of the Year)
Takeover! Ensemble & Samy Deluxe
Artemon Music GmbH
The Legend Award
Michael Herrmann – Rheingau Music Festival
Honoured for four decades of leadership in shaping the festival and its cultural impact. The laudation was delivered by Dr. Matthias von Hülsen.
The ceremony, produced by Neuland Concerts, was hosted by Jeannine Michaelsen and Jan van Weyde, who guided the evening with a mix of humour and clarity.
For many attendees, the gala served as both a celebration and a welcome moment of reconnection after a demanding year. The event also underscored the momentum the association has built in the three years since its relaunch.