Taking home the Juror's prize for Best Emerging New England Punk/Metal Artist of 2016 is Boston punk quartet Choke Up.  Their latest, Black Coffee, Bad Habits, is 14 tracks of anthemic emo-hardcore that will have fans in the pit, screaming lyrics at the top of their lungs.  Dynamic and tight, the quartet flexes their range, seamlessly transitioning from folksy slow jams like "Polka Dots" to blistering punk in "Woke Up Drunk", both standout tracks on the record.  Check them out below.  Special shout-out to Tigerman Woah for keeping it a close race in the poll. -Brian Varneke

Earlier this week, Boston Calling announced the expansion of its summer Block Party series. In addition to the weekly Thursday evening events at Dewey Square (across from South Station), a monthly party has been added back in Downtown Crossing, the original site of the gatherings. All events will continue to feature cheap drinks (sponsored by Shock Top and Wicked Wines) and music courtesy of Boston-area musicians. The Downtown Crossing Block Party kicks-off tonight featuring Tigerman WOAH, with all subsequent events held on the first Wednesday of each month. The Dewey Square Party will launch May 14, with a performance by The Almighty Buck.

For more info about the Block Parties (and to see future performance schedules), check out the Block Party Facebook page.
-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)