Killswitch is top nominee

Nominations for the 20th annual Boston Music Awards were announced yesterday, and it was a good year for Massachusetts metal bands. Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, and the Berklee-linked prog veterans Dream Theater all scored multiple nominations, with Killswitch leading with seven.

All three acts will vie for the top prize -act of the year - against emo sensations Boys Like Girls (five nominations) and singer-songwriter Lori McKenna (four), who got a national profile boost this year following a tour with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Reunited alt-rock trio Dinosaur Jr. is also in the running.

Others receiving more than one nomination include singer-songwriters Matt Nathanson and Josh Ritter with four apiece and power popsters the Click Five and rockers Buffalo Tom and the Slip with three each.

Awards will be handed out in 27 categories on Dec. 1 at the Orpheum Theatre (tickets are $35-$100 and are on sale at ticketmas ter.com and 617-931-2000).

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer will serve as the honorary chairman of the Boston Music Awards.

Proceeds from tickets and an accompanying online auction will benefit Music Drives Us and the Berklee City Music Program.

Fans can see the entire nominee list and vote for winners online at bostonmusicawards07.com. The voting concludes on Nov. 16.