The website Zone Music Reporter (ZMR) announces itself as “the industry source for New Age, World, Ambient, Electronic, Solo Piano, Relaxation, Instrumental and many other genres of music.” And before we ask a snarky question like “Hey, aren’t those all pretty much the same genre?” we’ll remember that a lot of people do love those kinds of sounds, and it’s not always easy to find them in New Orleans. And for that audience, the upcoming ZMR Awards at the Joy Theater will be a godsend, with a number of performers—all of an instrumentally tranquil bent—who don’t often hit town.

Performers will include some of the biggest names in that world. Guitarist Will Ackerman arguably invented New Age as the founder of Windham Hill Records and the producer of George Winston, Liz Story and others. Bassist Michael Manring, also a New Age cornerstone, branched out to play with the likes of Thomas Dolby and John Gorka. South African-rooted pianist Hennie Bekker is known for the Tranquility series of albums and has composed over a thousand works in various formats. Michael Ronstadt is an internationally touring cellist—and yes, he does have a famous older sister. Other performers include pianists Heidi Anne Breyer and Catherine Marie Charlton.

Nominees for Album of the Year are Michael Brant DeMaria’s Bindu, Peter Kater’s Light Body , Johannes Linstead’s Tales of a Gypsy, Todd Boston’s Touched by the Sun, and The Gathering by various artists. Awards will also be given in chill-groove, electronic and holiday categories.

[ZMR Music Awards at the Joy Theater, 7:30pm May 11. Tickets are $40, information here].