Category: LA Music Critic Awards

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Thanks Light, 1099, Em Joy, The Spider Accomplice, Gerry Spehar

Welcome back for another week of Get it or Forget it.  Crunch time is here and we still have more than 50 reviews to complete before the end of the month so we can create our nominations list for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  Nominations will be announced on June 8.  Here we go with our next five artists.

Artist Name:  Thanks Light

Album Name:  Terrifire

Label:  Enjoy Ears Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Alligator Tears; 2.  Healer; 3.  I’ve Seen Hell; 4.  Your Policeman; 5.  ON TAPE; 6.  Croquet Mallet; 7.  The Gulf is Calling (Redux)

Publicist:  Enjoy Ears Records

Review:  Thanks Light hits the ground running with their latest release, Terrifire, bring a new intensity to indie rock.  The tunes are radio friendly, with potential for placement opportunities in television and film.  They have a distinctive sound that seems to be heavily influenced by the Beatles, especially The White Album.  We love the entire album, but really dig “Healer,” “ON TAPE” and “Croquet Mallett”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth a  listen.  Check them out today.

Artist Name:  1099

Album Name:  Blindpassasjer

Label:  All Good Clean Records

Genre:  Instrumental Prog Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Silverdal; 2.  Tundra; 3.  Osiris; 4.  Under Isen; 5.  Blindpassasjer; 6.  For Seg Selv; 7.  En Druknet Verden; 8.  Tel Jorden; 9.  Det Britiske Imperiet; 10.  Kontinental; 11.  Lausanne; 12.  Vintersøvn

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Prog Rock has a new standard bearer, and it comes from Norway.  This is an album you put on and listen from start to finish, and it will provide the perfect musical backdrop to any summer events.  It is energetic but still relaxing, helping to set the mood while you chill.  Every song is worthy of a complete listen, and the album contains over an hour of fresh music.  It will appeal to all lovers of rock, from the soft to the heavy, there is something for everyone.  We really love the title track.

Recommendation:  Get this one and enjoy.

Artist Name:  Em Joy

Album Name:  The Wanderings

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Pop Singer-Songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  Caramel; 2.  Shalala; 3.  The Feast; 4.  Sleepy Head; 5.  Treehouse; 6.  Beautiful; 7.  Hilltops; 8.  Daily Bread

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Born in Zimbabwe, Em Joy has lived in Australia and is currently based in Europe.  Were she in the States, she would be the perfect complement to The Hotel Cafe’ sound of artists like Ingrid Michaelson, Lenka and Sara Bareilles.  Her voice is sweet like cream, and her songs beg for radio airplay, as well as placements in television and film.  From the first notes of “Caramel,” it is obvious that she could be very successful here in America.  There isn’t a weak song on the album, and we really love “Caramel,” “The Feast,” “Treehouse, “Beautiful,” and “Hilltops.”

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about this one, just Get it and prepare to be wowed.

photo courtesy of Anabel D Flux of Deliquiesce Flux Photography

Artist Name:  The Spider Accomplice

Album Name:  Los Angeles:  The Dichotomy

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Fall of the Copper Queen; 2.  Shadowstars; 3.  Swallow; 4.  End my Life; 5.  Epilogue

Publicist:  Manager Mary E. Zimmer

Review:  The Spider Accomplice  is the best band in America that you may not have heard about.  Their latest is the third part of a trilogy of EPs that have garnered critical praise and won the band a mind-boggling nine LA Music Critic Awards.  Los Angeles:  The Dichotomy will surely add to that total.   As with their second EP, Los Angeles:  The Abduction, the first song provides the perfect segue between the two EPs, and once again cements VK Lynne as The Voice of the alternative rock world.  The band is not afraid of controversial topics, but embraces them and spreads their message of hope to everyone searching for victory in a world gone mad.  The EP is meant to be listened to as a cohesive unit, and we strongly encourage you to listen to all three back to back.  That being said, “Swallow,” is an amazing song that can stand on its own merits.  We can’t wait to see what they have planned for their next project.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see them perform whenever you can.  We had hoped to have them at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at The Mint on June 19, but the timing was off.  In the meantime, check out their music video for their lead single, “Swallow,” which was released last Christmas and which was featured in our first Monday Mashup of 2018.

Recommendation:  What are you waiting for?  Get this one NOW!

Artist Name:  Gerry Spehar

Album Name:  Anger Management

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Thank you Donald; 2.  Son of an Immigrant; 3.  Anger Management; 4.  A Soldier’s Spiritual; 5.  Pearl Harbor; 6.  Carnival; 7.  Bitch Heaven; 8.  Except for the Bomb; 9.  Barrier Reef; 10.  Greed; 11.  Freedom to Grab; 12.  What Would Jesus Do?

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  We had the pleasure of reviewing Gerry Spehar’s debut album last August, and have been eagerly anticipating his sophomore effort.  Spehar did not disappoint.  His down-home country sound and his superb writing skills are clearly evident, regardless of how you feel about his politics, as evidenced by the tongue-in-cheek tune, “Thank you Donald.”  His folky style continues to remind us of Woody Guthrie (check out “Bitch Heaven”), and he obviously knows the importance of words in any battle of beliefs.  He is also adept at creating the perfect musical soundtrack to complement his lyrics, such as he did on “Carnival.”  We believe that just about every music lover will find something to like on this project.  Give it a listen!

Recommendation:  Once again, Spehar delivers a jewel of folk music with a country flair.  We recommend you Get this one.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 19

Happy Monday.  Hope you all had a great Mother’s Day and remembered to thank her for all she’s done for you.  This time next month we will be in Los Angeles for the ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  In addition, we will be announcing the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  In the meantime, let’s check out some new singles and music videos, and catch up on what’s happening in the indie world.

SHEENA METAL PRESENTS THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Since 2006, promoter and radio host Sheena Metal has been directing and producing The Vagina Monologues for charity. This year is the 20th anniversary of playwright Eve Ensler’s non-profit, VDay.org, whose mission is to end violence against women, across the globe.  Other non-profits participating include RaisingtheVibration.org and VDayLA.com.

This year’s production opened last Thursday at the Loft Ensemble Theatre in Sherman Oaks, and will continue this coming Thursday and Friday, May 17-18.  Tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

JANIVA MAGNESS TO PERFORM AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

Grammy-nominated indie blues artist Janiva Magness, recent winner of the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award, will be performing at the Grammy Museum, located at 800 W. Olympic Boulevard on May 22.  The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

Unsigned Only is currently accepting submissions for its Grand Slam promotion from May 8 to June 6.  Today is the last day to submit for the Digital Distribution portion, but each week will have a different theme.  The week one winner will receive one free album distribution online and one free video distribution courtesy of @symphonicdistribution.  To learn more, click here.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from up and coming pop songstress Mauve.  Here is “Sweetness,” which was just released on Friday.

Our second single is “Deep Love,” by Dela Kay.  We are proud to be able to debut this single, which is being released today.  Ask for it at your favorite dance club.

Our final singles today come from two of LA’s premier indie bands.  First up is “Come Around” by Sleep Machine, who are releasing their entire album one single at a time.  The second is “It’s All for Love (For Goodness Sake) by  No Small Children.  Check them both out live when they perform at The Satellite on May 17.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the latest from one of our iconic musical legends, Rusty Young of Poco.  This is for his single “My Friend.”  You can catch him in concert at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at the Mint on June 19.

Our second single comes from Colorado-native Rob Drabkin, who reminds us that “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

Our final video today is from actress and singer/songwriter Katie Vincent.  The song is called “The Way it Goes,” and it was used in the award-winning indie fillm Pickings.  We think it is the perfect way to close out this edition of Monday Mashup.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 17

We made it to the final Monday in April.  That means May 1 is coming up, when tickets for both the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival and the 2018 LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase go on sale.  June is gonna be awesome, and we can’t wait to see LA again.  We’ll be in town from June 11-25, so let us know what Fringe shows and concerts we should check out while we’re there.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

This year marks the 9th annual Festival, and other than 2015, we have attended every year.  We can hardly wait for the tickets to go on sale so we can start planning our trip.  We will again be sponsoring the Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence, which goes to a play which best incorporates music into its story.  The award will be presented on June 24 at the Awards show.  We look forward to checking out your show for this award.  As always, we will be publishing reviews every day, so make sure you invite us to your Fringe show.

JOE PURDY HEADS OUT ON TOUR

Amazing indie artist Joe Purdy heads out on the road as the opening act for Judy Collins and Stephen Stills.  Purdy and Amber Rubarth recently gained attention for their movie American Folk.  You can see them both if you catch the Nashville show.  You can buy your tickets here.

May 03 – Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Eugene, OR
May 04 – Snoqualmie Casino Showroom – Snoqualmie, WA
May 11 – *Nashville Musicians Corner – Nashville, TN (American Folk w/ Amber Rubarth)
May 16 – The Rose – Pasadena, CA
May 17 – The Canyon –  Santa Clarita, CA 
June 01 – Luther Burbank Center – Santa Rosa, CA
June 02 – Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA 
June 04 – Humphries By The Bay – San Diego, CA 
June 08 – *City Winery – Chicago, IL (Solo Show)
June 09 – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre – Rochester Hills, MI

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2nd annual showcase, which will be held at The Mint in Los Angeles on June 19.  Artists scheduled to appear this year include Lexie Rose, Alexis Keagan, Pi Jacobs, Great Willow, The Khourys, Poco’s Rusty Young, Cindy Alexander, Calico the Band’s Ted Russell Kamp, and Shiragirl from the Vans Warped Tour.  Local rockers ROCKET will headline the event.  Tickets are just $10 in advance (with a 60 cent surcharge).  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Come support indie music.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Blue Élan Records artist Jesse Dayton, whose album will be coming out in June.  Here’s his latest single, “May Have to Do It (Don’t Have to Like It).”  Let us know what you think.

Our second single comes from Strange Boy, a London-based duo with sweeping harmonies and lush techno accompaniment.  Check out their latest offering, “Love Remains.”

Next up is Polychrome, who channel the vibe of The Cocteau Twins to bring us “Dreaming About You.”  If you like electronic, pop and/or dance music, you will love this one.

Our next single, “Thrift Shop,” comes from Johnny and the Bootlegs, who combine blues, punk and rock n’ roll to create a high energy sound.  Please let us know what you think.

Our final single today comes from Summer Heart, and should get  you ready for summer with the amazing “I Got This Thing for You.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today comes from Secret Colours for their single “Dream Dream.”  We find it interesting that the album was dropped almost a year ago, and we are just now finding out about them.  We can’t wait for more!

Next up is the latest from LA indie icon Kari Kimmel, with another smash hit video.  This one is for her single “High,” and we can’t wait to find out what music supervisor was smart enough to choose this one.  Her new album drops May 25.

Our third video today is from one of our indie bands, FlecHaus.  Here is the lyric video for “Finding,” which was just released TODAY!

We really love this next video from Lora Kelley for her single, “Both Hands.”  We would love to hear what you think.

Last but not least this week is the latest from amazing duo This Way North.  It is a live performance of their single, “Nothing to Say,” and we truly dig their vibe.  Have a great week and we’ll be back soon with more Get it or Forget it.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 12

Happy Monday – we made it to the end of March, the Final Four has been established, and Easter is next Sunday.  Let’s see what’s happening in the indie world this week.

UNSIGNED ONLY OFFERS PLACEMENT CHANCE

Unsigned Only is running a special two-week promotion, “Sync Me Up,” from March 20 to April 3, 2018. This promotion is for anyone interested in learning more about what you need to know in order to get your songs into TV & Film. Three winners will be selected and given FREE access ($1000 value each) to “The Art Of The Song Pitch”, a step by step online course that shows you how to license your music successfully. For more information, or to enter your songs today, please visit: https://unsignedonly.com/
HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL PREPARES FOR JUNE
Just a few final deadlines for those who want to participate in this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival:
  • Registration (for those who want to be included in the printed version of the guide) must be completed by April 1.
  • Town Hall 2: Marketing will be Tuesday, April 3rd from 8-10pm at Assistance League Playhouse.
  • Print Ad purchases for this year’s guide (including artwork) are due by April 15.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

The second annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is now set for June 19 at The Mint, a world-famous venue in Los Angeles.  Among those scheduled to appear are Rusty Young, the former lead singer for the band Poco, Cindy Alexander, ROCKET, The Khourys, Great Willow, Alexis Keegan and Lexie Rose, with a very special appearance by Shira, founder of the Shira Girl stage for the Vans Warped Tour.  Watch for more details soon, but save the date.  It’s gonna be a great night of music and raising money for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

NEW SINGLES

Let’s get this party going with the latest from Jackie Venson, a smooth jazz, reggae-infused beauty for her song “Don’t Lie to Me.”  This is the perfect vehicle to get your week going.

Next up is an R&B tinged tune from Christopher Giffard.  Let’s enjoy the smooth sounds of “Talk to Me.”

Our final new single today comes from Ruby Vidor, courtesy of The A&R Department.  Her song is called “Ten Days,” and we dig the acoustic simplicity of it, which allows Vidor’s incredible voice to shine.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is a Jimi Hendrix cover from LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein.  The song, “Little Wing,” was also covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan.  Let us know which version  you prefer.

Next up is another artist that readers of this blog should be familiar with – the dynamic duo of Crimson Calamity.  Here’s the video for the title track to their new album, Gypsy Heart.  We think you’ll like it 🙂

We close out this week with a video to get your body going strong.  Here is Tony Valor ft. Zuka in his video for “D’ Nah Nah (Shaky Bum Bum).”

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 11

So happy that tomorrow is the first day of Spring – have really enjoyed the weather starting to warm up here in Montana.  In just a few more short months, it will be June and we’ll be in California for the Hollywood Fringe Festival and the 2nd annual LA Music Critic Awards Winners Showcase on June 19 at the Mint on Pico Boulevard.  Watch for more details.

ASHLEY DELIMA IS A DREAMER WITH A VOICE

Up and coming indie artist Ashley Delima is a dreamer, an actual DACA candidate with a personal stake in this political hot potato.  Two weeks ago we shared her story and the single she has written about it.  Today we want to continue to share with the release of a very moving music video that further portrays the story playing out around our country.  Please do something.  We love your dream, Ashley – please Stay in America!

NEW SINGLES

Last month we introduced you to Aja Warren.  Her brand new album is about to be released (and we will review it shortly), but she has already released her second single.  Her is the very moving ballad “Infinite Stranger.”  This one should help get your week off to a great start.

Our second single comes from Amsterdam and features the electronic sound of Rembrandtpark with their single, “Morning Sun.”  We really love this one, which has a definite R&B groove.  Let us know what you think.

Our final single today is a rocker that should jump-start  your week with a punk infused indie tune from The DTEASE.  Here’s their single “Slapshot.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Up first is a lyric video from Vessbroz (ft. Kyle Davis) for their song “Nothing.”  This one has a great message.

Next up is the laid back sound of Lucy Wise with her single, “Solid Ground.”  We love the cinematography and think you’ll dig it too.

Last but not least, here’s something very interesting from Jessica Lea Mayfield.  This one is visually stimulating and the song is pretty cool as well.  Let us know what you think.

We’ll be back tomorrow with ten more videos we have recently received.  If you love music videos, then join us here then 🙂

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Artists Worth Checking Out Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 7

Mother Nature has made it clear these past few days that she’s not ready for spring yet here in Montana, as we have been bombarded with snow, high winds and sub-zero temperatures.  Regardless of the weather, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival kicked off last Friday night with a sold-out screening of the film Dark Money, attended by our very own Governor.  Attendance at other screenings on Saturday, Sunday and today have been high, including quite a few sell-outs, including Forever B, the one I attended tonight about kidnap victim Jan Broberg, a child kidnap victim and author of Loss of Innocence.

We have a bit of news for you today, as well as four new singles and three new music videos, so let’s get to it.

DIANA REIN LAUNCHES CROWD-FUNDING CAMPAIGN

Referred to as the “The Six-String Siren,” LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein has announced the launch of a crowd-funding campaign for her upcoming album, Queen Of My Castle. The follow-up to her critically-lauded 2016 release Long Road, Queen Of My Castle is being co-produced by Michael Leasure (drummer extraordinaire with the Walter Trout Band).

“The new album is a collection of 15 songs, with one of those songs being a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan,” says Rein, just back from representing Guitar Girl Magazine at the 2018 NAMM Conference.  Rein is the featured artist for the month of April in their 2018 Calendar.  “There’s a lot of traditional blues, as well as high energy, upbeat, and blues-rock songs that I know you guys will love. This album will be lucky #3 for me and my first full-band album.  I loved making my last record on my own, but I am really looking forward to challenging myself this time around and collaborating with the pros.”

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

The Hollywood Fringe Festival is getting ready for their ninth run June 7-24, and is looking for interns and volunteers, specifically in the areas of Fringe Central Set Design, Events, Volunteer Coordinator and Cabaret.  Interning with the Fringe is the best way to get hands on experience behind the scenes of the largest performing arts festival in the west.  Interns work directly with Fringe staff to help run various aspects of the festival.  Click the link for position details.  If you are interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to internships@hollywoodfringe.org.  Please specify which position you are interested in.  The deadline to apply is April 1.

NEW SINGLES

Here’s the first single from the forthcoming album People Person by Everett Bird.  The single is entitled “Bucket of Dark Meat,” and we think you’ll like it.  It is different from many of the songs featured here, so get ready to try something new.

https://soundcloud.com/royalmountain/03-bucket-of-dark-meat/s-5vsqk?in=royalmountain/sets/everett-bird-people-person/s-TOwD8

Next up is “The Monster” from LA based garage rock band Bird Concerns.  This one truly rocks.

Our third single today is from folk singer songwriter Brown Kid.  It is definitely a step down energy wise from the previous song, but it is different enough to pass on to you.  The song is entiled “Sunrise” and we want to hear your feedback.

https://soundcloud.com/brown_kid_music/sunrise-single

Our final single today is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Sleep Machine.  They are releasing their newest album one song at a time.  Here is “Mother.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our favorite Italian rock band is back with another hot video.  Check out “Never Obey” from Black Mamba.  We guarantee this one will rock your sock.

Our next video is the latest from Allison Iraheta and Mathew Hager, aka Halo Circus.  It is a video for their single “Narcissist,” which we debuted two weeks ago.  Please let us know what you think.

Blue Élan Records continues to bring back classic bands, and the latest to return is Fanny Walked the Earth.  Here is the video for “Lured Away,” their first single in 34 years.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 5

Well, the winners have now been announced for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2017, and the process starts all over for the first half of 2018.  Any indie artist is eligible to participate as long as they have a single, music video, CD or EP released between December 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018.  We’ll continue our reviews tomorrow with five more artists, but today, we share news from the indie music world, as well as debut new singles and music videos.  Here we go.

EXIT {LIVE} LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL MUSIC PLATFORM

A few years back we experienced this company when we attended a Peter Frampton concert at the Greek in Los Angeles.  It allows fans to buy a copy of the concert they have just experienced so they can relive that experience.

Exit [Live] has now announced they are making the technology available to all artists, major and indie, to sell their concerts and vintage recordings directly to their fans.  This is a major win for indie artists everywhere who are trying to gain a more global following.  For artists, it is also profitable, with 80% of sales going back to the artist.

The platform will launch in early 2018, but you can check out their Facebook page now.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL PREPARES FOR NINTH YEAR

Founded in 2010, the Hollywood Fringe Festival is preparing for their ninth annual festivities.  Registration for participants opened on February 1 and runs through April 1.  Tickets will go on sale on May 1.

In order to foster artist and audience diversity, the Fringe initiated a scholarship program in 2016 to allow more participation by artists facing challenges that might prevent them from being a part of the Festival.  Each scholarship takes care of the registration costs, provides a $550 stipend towards their production and venue costs, and gives them a Fringe mentor, as well as marketing and networking opportunities as a member of the Fringe community.  The winners of the 2018 Fringe Scholarships are: 

  • Baba, Jee (Father, Yes): Maria, the daughter of a Pakistani father and an American mother, lives in New York City with her boyfriend Dave. On the eve of Hurricane Sandy, her father (Baba) comes to visit from Pakistan for the first time in years. Trapped inside while the storm rages on, Maria, Dave, and Baba must all confront their differing views on culture, love, and expectations.
  • Unapologetically Black: Unapologetically Black is a true story about Misty Monroe trying to fit in as a black woman (with a white name) who grew up in both South Central Los Angeles (predominately black) and the naval bases of Northern California (predominately “other”). The desire to “fit in” is universal and Unapologetically Black takes you on the journey of a black woman who gains the courage to stand out, unapologetically.
  • Trafficked 2.0: Trafficked 2.0 tells a story that occurs much too often and told not nearly enough. On her 13th birthday, a young girl is kidnapped and sold into the horrors of sex trafficking. The show uses the expressive movements of the body to represent a story that forces audiences to acknowledge the awful operations that are going on right under their noses, in their countries, in their neighborhoods, by people that they know.
  • Paisajes Marinos Con Tiburones y bailarines: “Seascape with Sharks and Dancer” is a 1974 play by Don Nigro. The story focuses on a young man, Ben, who saves a young woman named Tracy from the ocean outside his beach house. The production will be in Spanish, focused on attracting the latin community to the theater.
  • Love, Locs & Liberation: Blending poetry, song and humor, Ella unlocks the history of locs experienced by Black women, revealing many mishaps and triumphs. Through the eyes of 21 different characters, a 5th grade bully to Madam CJ Walker, she exposes the hair connection – to politics, identity and culture, illustrating why hair is an intimate and essential part of Black life.
  • I Came To Make Noise: I Came To Make Noise breaks the stereotype that women are expected to be quiet and agreeable. This groundbreaking work of theatre engages audiences with its use of dance, spoken word, and beatbox. This piece explores the inner most thoughts of a woman. The issues of race, politics, and sexual assault are presented through the lens of self-awareness.
  • Liao Zhai: Tale of Extraordinary: China is a two-syllable word with extreme complexity. History, philosophy, ideology, politics — we would be stuck having these intense and serious conversation for years. Even though we are Chinese, believe me, we don’t like that either. As an young ensemble theater company mostly consists of Native Chinese, we would like to share with you some mythical and fantastical stories that have been with us for centuries.
  • A Mile in My Shoes: “A Mile in My Shoes” is a solo show written and performed by veteran actor Kathryn Taylor Smith. In this 90 minute Poetic Dramedy (clever mix of poetry, drama & comedy) Kathryn depicts 12 characters based on research and personal interviews with past and present members of the homeless community (real & created) as well as those who advocate for them.
  • Gay Men Like Young Boys: Part adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” part social satire. The dark side of desire, gender roles, and the youth obsessed image-based gay community clash in this dark tale of love and revenge.
  • The Goddesses Guide: Adura for the Women of African Diaspora: Follow the revealing journey of three Yoruba goddesses as they grapple with the responsibility of creating a guide for black women trying to survive in a world that doesn’t always allow them to thrive.
  • Land of No Shadows: Combining the Japanese dance art of Butoh with experimental animation and puppetry, “Land of No Shadows” uses stark, striking visuals to portray a fluid relationship between puppet and puppeteer, reflecting our unstable, fluctuating social and emotional status as humans.

NEW SINGLES

Our first new single this week comes from a band we have loved from the beginning.  Founded by former American Idol contestant Allison Iraheta and her husband, Matthew Hager, Halo Circus has reinvented itself as an electronic duo and has released “Narcissist,” the first single from their upcoming project.  Check out the new sound of the band, and let us know what you think.

Next up is Aja Warren, a new artist from the same management company that gave us Wendy Sweetlove.  Here’s her new single, “Show me the Magic.”  We think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Kim DiVine is a past LA Music Critic Award winner who has consistently delivered outstanding music.  Klvr Grl has done a remix of one of her songs, and we wanted to share it with you.  Please check out “Broken Bird (Klvr Grl remix).”

Our final single today comes from Gundelach for their breakout single, “Duck Hunting.”  Please let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today comes from Kris Angelis, another past LA Music Critic Award winner.  Here’s her video for “Please Come Back Home,” filmed on a family trip to Carmel, California.

Next up is a video from one of the most recent LA Music Critic Award winners, Jason Hawk Harris, formerly of The Stone Ponies.  This is an acoustic video for his single, “Phantom Limb.”

For all you Tesla fans out there, here is the latest video from guitarist Frank Hannon from his solo acoustic project.  This is a cover of the Allman Brothers Band classic song, “Blue Sky.”  We dig it.

Last but not least, here’s the latest provacotive video from The Scared Crows about the Harvey Weinstein controversy.  Check out “Harvey Talk.”

We’ll be back tomorrow with our next round of reviews in Get it or Forget it.  See you then.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards LA Music Critic Awards Women in Entertainment

Winners of LA Music Critic Awards for second half of 2017

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to this round of nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Last July, when we announced the winners for the first half of 2017, we thought we had reached a pinnacle in fan support, but you blew that away this time around.  In a two week period, there were 5,725 views of the nominations article on our blog and 7,996 total views from 59 countries.  You left a mindboggling 864 comments that included the nomination of 30 artists for the Fan Favorite Award.  Thank you for your support of indie music.

The second annual Winners Showcase will take place in June in Los Angeles.  Watch for more details.

Before we get started with the announcement of the winners, we wanted to add in a couple of special awards.  It has become more and more obvious of the value of promotion for an indie artist.  They can either do it all themselves or hire a professional publicist.  We wanted to give some credit and recognition to those who promote.

LA MUSIC CRITIC PUBLICISTS “SEAL OF APPROVAL”  – We have worked with a lot of publicists this year, and are happy to give our “Seal of Approval” to two of them who have truly stepped up for their clients – ABIK Promotions and Frank Roszak Promotions.  They now join the previous recipients of this award, including Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, Red Boot PR, Noisy Ghost PR, MAD Ink PR and KG Music Press.

BEST SELF-PROMOTION – We received a lot of submissions from artists doing their own promotion, and we were impressed by the quality of their work.  Among those we noticed were Ben Anderson, Andrea Harsell & Luna Roja, and Kate Steinway, but the award this year goes to The Khourys.

Without further ado, here are the results for the second half of 2017.  Winners are indicated with BOLD type.

BEST EP (Male) – Ryan Sims, My Side of the Story; Sam Marine, Big Dark City; Ben Anderson, YouTopia; Matt Westerman, Life Out Loud; Vinnie Paolizzi, Kids

BEST EP (Female) – Jacquie, The Only One; Katie Costello, New World; Cara Frew, Dance; Helen Culver, Seven Year Glitch; Libbie Schrader, Red Thread

BEST EP (Group) – Mare Island, Eponymous; TYA, No Money, More Love; RVBY My Dear, Cycles; Social Repose, Empress; Surf Rock is Dead, We Have No Friends?

BEST EP (International) – House Hounds, Saturate; Wolf & Moon, Frames; HUNDREDS, Wilderness; The Raft; Orion; The Raft, A Lullaby

BEST CD (Male) – Canyon City, Constellation; Chuck McDermott, Gin & Rosewater; Case Garrett, Aurora; Rusty Young, Waitin’ for the Sun; Bryan Stephens, Village of Dreams

BEST CD (Female) – Monica Chapman, Small World; Chelsea Williams, Boomerang; Cindy Alexander, Deep Waters; Marina V, Born to the Stars; Katie Costello, Twice the Love; Amilia K. Spicer, Wow and Flutter

BEST CD (Group) – The Commotions, Vol 2; Great Willow, Find Yourself in Los Angeles; Andrea Harsell and Luna Roja, Something for the Pain; FreeWorld, What it Is; Chris Daniels and the Kings, Blues with Horns

BEST HOLIDAY ALBUM – Katie Garibaldi, Home Sweet Christmas; Balsam Range, It’s Christmas Time; Jennifer Hanson, Under the Tree; Beth Marie Anderson, Christmas with You; Bloodshot Records, 13 Days of Xmas; Blue Elan Records, A Blue Elan Christmas

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Male) – Matt Hawkins, Steel Ya Blues; Brandon Bonine, Remember my Name; Canyon City, Midnight Flight; Josh Johnstone, Just What it is; Rod Melancon, Dwayne & Me

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Female) – Janey Street, Undone; Dree Mon, Rebel Soul; Lexie Rose, Wrong; Katie Costello, Hearts on Fire; Rachel Ariana, Imperfect; Suzanne Santos, Ghost in my Bed

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Group) – FlecHaus, Tell me Something; Satellite Citi, Undead; Elizabeth and the Catapult, Ambrosia; Oh Geronomo, No More Stones; Pet Fangs, Gold Coast Dreaming; The Flatlines, Indoors

BEST VIDEO (LIVE) – Sierra Blanca, Paint the Road; Bernie Faulkner, Potbelly Stove; CALICO the Band, The Leaving Kind; Rosi Golan, Underneath; Chelsea Williams, Anything Worth Saving

BEST VIDEO (LYRIC) – Mellott, Shooting Stars; Rachel Price, Love is War; The Rebel Light, Where did all the Love Go; Chris Chilton, Adonai; Jared Finck, New Kids

BEST VIDEO (HOLIDAY) – Redhead Express, Love is Christmas; Chelsea Williams, Peppermints and Mistletoe; Kate Steinway, White Christmas; Pam Taylor, Let’s Get it on for Christmas

BEST VIDEO (INTERNATIONAL) – Straw, Bang Bang; Straw, 1965; Captive (ft. Hannah Trigwell), I Could be the One

BEST VIDEO (COLLABORATION) – Blue Elan Artists, Shine Down on Us; David Garfield and J. Paris, I Lied; Beckett and Claire Ridgely, Butterflies

BEST SINGLE (Male) – Mikey Wax, “Spaceman;” Zvchvivh, “Think of Me;” Tim Maiden, “So Far Gone;” Matt Zambon, “Blue and Yellow;” Jason Crosby, “Final Step”

BEST SINGLE (Female) – Hannah Lucia, “Your Love;” Heather Bonds, “Keep it Quiet;” Ashleigh Watson, “Little Love;” Liz Kennedy (ft. Taj Mahal), “Everyone Knows how it Goes”

BEST SINGLE (Group) – Featurette, “Upside Down;” Delsinki, “Wishing Upon a Star;” Echo City, “Burn Me;” Astral Queen, “Take it all the Way;” The Sound of Ghosts, “Train to Nowhere”

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST/BAND – The Fisherman and the Sea, Belle Miners, The Raft, HUNDREDS, Wolf & Moon

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST – Case Garrett, Tim Bennett, Whitney Lusk, Kaylee Keller, Ryan Sims

BEST COUNTRY BAND – CALICO the Band, Steve Azar and the Kings Men, Honey County

BEST BLUES ARTIST – Pam Taylor, John Verity, Stacy Jones, Alastair Greene, R. D. Olson, Dave Hunt

BEST BLUES BAND – Paradise Kings, FreeWorld, Andrea Harsell and Luna Roja, BB and the Blues Shacks, Chris Daniels and the Kings, The McKee Brothers

BEST POP ARTIST (FEMALE) – Marina V, Cindy Alexander, Katie Costello, Alex Mabey, Maggie McClure, Rosi Golan

BEST POP ARTIST (MALE) – Curtis Peoples, Fernando Perdomo, Matt Westerman, Bryan Stephens, Ben Anderson, LeRiche

BEST POP BAND – Flood Coats, Seasonal Beast, Elizabeth and the Catapult, Warbly Jets, High Dive Heart, Laini and the Wildfire

BEST ROCK ARTIST – Billy Burnette, Rusty Young, Ben Lorentzen, Russ Carrick, Robert Francis, Peter Simpson

BEST ROCK BAND – The Khourys, Surf Rock is Dead, Social Repose, The Slants, Xs and Arrows, Dopapod

BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST – Ray Goren, Leslie Clio, Zoey Clarke, Louise Lemon

BEST R&B/SOUL/RETRO BAND – The Marias, The Commotions, Burgess Meredith

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST (FEMALE) – Lydia Loveless, Shannon McNally, Liz Kennedy, Chelsea Williams, Amilia K. Spicer, Suzanne Santos

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST (MALE) – Rich McCulley, Marc Berger, Chuck McDermott, Jason Hawk Harris, Sam Marine, Vinnie Paolizzi

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA BAND – Great Willow, The County Liners, JD and the Straight Shot, The Empty Pockets, Dead Rock West

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST/BAND – The Jerry Douglas Band, The Grascals, My Girl My Whiskey and Me, Tommy Emmanuel and David Grisman

BEST JAZZ/INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST/BAND – Tout, Noon, Monica Chapman, John McLaughlin, KRON

BEST DANCE ARTIST/BAND – The Innocent Bystanders, TYA, Elephant Stone, Niteshifters, Cara Frew

BEST REGGAE ARTIST/BAND – Never Ending Fall

BEST PUNK BAND – Franks and Deans, Emmer Effer, Hang Tight, The Paranoid Style

BEST HARD ROCK/METAL BAND – SBK, Vacant Home, Aviator, The Black Hand, Downfall 2012

BEST FOLK ARTIST – Ben Bostick, Canyon City, Garrison Starr, Fred Smith, Sierra Blanca, Brandon Luedtke

BEST FOLK BAND – Tony Lovato and MEST, Fire Chief Charlie, Amber Run, Nescora, FXRRVST

BEST TRADITIONAL FOLK BAND – Storywrens, The East Pointers

BEST PROG ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Orissa, Dave Kerzner

RISING STAR – Ray Goren, Kaylee Keller, Rachel Arianna, Gina Sicilia, Chelsea Williams

FAN FAVORITE:   This year’s competition was fierce, with 30 artists nominated.  However, it came down to a battle between two artists, and went neck and neck until the final day.  In fifth place was Flechaus.  Kate Steinway took fourth place by a slim margin to third place finisher Andrea Harsell & Luna Roja.  Second place goes to The Khourys.  This year’s winner is RACHEL ARIANNA.

Thank you all for voting and for your support of indie music.  We’ll be back on Monday with our next edition of Monday Mashup.  Have a great weekend.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 4

Hope you all got to watch the Grammy Awards last night.  That was an impressive show, especially the performance by Kesha, Cindy Lauper, et al. of her song “Praying.”  It really brought tears to my eyes with its sheer beauty and power.  Let’s all try to honor the message that came through loud and clear – no more harassment and discrimination – just work together in unity.  Here’s our column today.

INDIE ARTISTS WIN GRAMMY AWARDS

While most of these indie artists didn’t get credit, several of them were instrumental in helping someone else get a Grammy win.  Kyler England co-wrote five of the songs on Lisa Loeb’s winning Best Children’s Album, while Ross Hogarth was part of the production team that worked on Taj Mahal and Keb Mo’s winning Best Contemporary Blues album.  Great work indies!

In addition, LA Music Critic Award nominee The Jerry Douglas Band lost their Grammy bid for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album to Jeff Lorber, while fellow LA Music Critic Award nominee John McLaughlin won his Grammy bid for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for “Miles Beyond” from the album Live at Ronnie Scott’s, which we previously reviewed in December.

The winners for the LA Music Critic Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018.

LYNN CAREY SAYLOR WINS SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Congratulations to indie songwriter Lynn Carey Saylor, who recently won the Song Door International Songwriting Competition in the Hard Rock/Alt Rock category for her song, “Tidal Wave.”  Saylor has been a hit songwriter for many years,

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a busy week for indie artists, including several past and present nominees for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Here are a few of the latest singles to be released.

The first one is from former nominee Crimson Calamity, which released their latest single, “Fool’s Gold.”  We love their sound and think you will too.

Next up is past LA Music Critic Award and Grammy nominee and Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness with her new single, “Down Below.”  We expect this one will qualify her for additional nominations.

Next is the latest from Austin band Signy, featuring Delaney Gibson, with their single, “Human.”  We love how different this is from her solo material, and think you will too.

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and nominee Katie Costello has lent her voice to the new single “Bon Air” by Hardsoul.  This one is an amazing dance track that will have you on the floor in no time.

Last but not least this week is the latest single from another multiple winner of the LA Music Critic Awards, Keaton Simons.  His new EP 1-2-3 Go will be released on March 9, and he is whetting our appetite with “Crane City.”

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Italian rock goddesses Black Mamba, who we reviewed last week.  This video is for their single, “Loop.”  Get ready to rock out.

Next up is the latest from the songwriting guru, Kari Kimmel of her song, “Voices.”  Check out the amazing cinematography of this one.

Our third video this week is from former San Diego Music Award winner Gayle Skidmore for her song “Pale Ghosts.”  Once again, the cinematography is first-rate.

Our next video comes from first-time LA Music Critic Award nominee Ryan Sims, who we also reviewed earlier this month.  Here is his vision of his song, “Black and Blue.”

Last but not least is the new video from Lucy Levinsohn, former lead singer for Lily’s Siren and Waiting 4 Wyatt.  She has returned to a solo career and brings us “Dear God.”

Thanks for joining us today.  We’ll be back tomorrow with five more Get it or Forget it reviews.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Best of 2017 LA Music Critic Awards Women in Entertainment

Announcement of LA Music Critic Award nominations for second half of 2017

We think that 2017 will go down as one of the most prolific years in outstanding music being released by indie artists.  We received and reviewed so many that we had to change the review period.  Consequently, we considered more than 235 albums and EPs that were released between July 1 and November 30, 2017, in compiling our nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Albums and EPs released from December 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018 will be considered for the first half awards of 2018.

Fans are encouraged to vote for the Fan Favorite Award.  To vote for your favorite,  simply leave a comment below in the following format:  “I vote for (name of artist) for Fan Favorite.”  No other comments will be counted toward the Fan Favorite Award, and each reader may only vote once.   Comments made on other social media sites will not count.

Fans are also encouraged to comment on other award nominations, and those comments will be reviewed by the Awards committee.  However, they will not count for the Fan Favorite Award unless the comment specifically says that the artist is being nominated for the Fan Favorite Award. 

The deadline for voting for the Fan Favorite Award is Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at midnight MST.  The full list of winners will be announced at 6 p.m. MST on Friday, February 2, 2018.

Without further delay, here are the nominations.

BEST EP (Male) – Ryan Sims, My Side of the Story; Sam Marine, Big Dark City; Ben Anderson, YouTopia; Matt Westerman, Life Out Loud; Vinnie Paolizzi, Kids

BEST EP (Female) – Jacquie, The Only One; Katie Costello, New World; Cara Frew, Dance; Helen Culver, Seven Year Glitch; Libbie Schrader, Red Thread

BEST EP (Group) – Mare Island, Eponymous; TYA, No Money, More Love; RVBY My Dear, Cycles; Social Repose, Empress; Surf Rock is Dead, We Have No Friends?

BEST EP (International) – House Hounds, Saturate; Wolf & Moon, Frames; HUNDREDS, Wilderness; The Raft; Orion; The Raft, A Lullaby

BEST CD (Male) – Canyon City, Constellation; Chuck McDermott, Gin & Rosewater; Case Garrett, Aurora; Rusty Young, Waitin’ for the Sun; Bryan Stephens, Village of Dreams

BEST CD (Female) – Monica Chapman, Small World; Chelsea Williams, Boomerang; Cindy Alexander, Deep Waters; Marina V, Born to the Stars; Katie Costello, Twice the Love; Amilia K. Spicer, Wow and Flutter

BEST CD (Group) – The Commotions, Vol 2; Great Willow, Find Yourself in Los Angeles; Andrea Harsell and Luna Roja, Something for the Pain; FreeWorld, What it Is; Chris Daniels and the Kings, Blues with Horns

BEST HOLIDAY ALBUM – Katie Garibaldi, Home Sweet Christmas; Balsam Range, It’s Christmas Time; Jennifer Hanson, Under the Tree; Beth Marie Anderson, Christmas with You; Bloodshot Records, 13 Days of Xmas; Blue Elan Records, A Blue Elan Christmas

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Male) – Matt Hawkins, Steel Ya Blues; Brandon Bonine, Remember my Name; Canyon City, Midnight Flight; Josh Johnstone, Just What it is; Rod Melancon, Dwayne & Me

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Female) – Janey Street, Undone; Dree Mon, Rebel Soul; Lexie Rose, Wrong; Katie Costello, Hearts on Fire; Rachel Ariana, Imperfect; Suzanne Santo, Ghost in my Bed

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Group) – FlecHaus, Tell me Something; Satellite Citi, Undead; Elizabeth and the Catapult, Ambrosia; Oh Geronomo, No More Stones; Pet Fangs, Gold Coast Dreaming; The Flatliners, Indoors

BEST VIDEO (LIVE) – Sierra Blanca, Paint the Road; Bernie Faulkner, Potbelly Stove; Calico the Band, The Leaving Kind; Rosi Golan, Underneath; Chelsea Williams, Anything Worth Saving

BEST VIDEO (LYRIC) – Mellott, Shooting Stars; Rachel Price, Love is War; The Rebel Light, Where did all the Love Go; Chris Chilton, Adonai; Jared Finck, New Kids

BEST VIDEO (HOLIDAY) – Redhead Express, Love is Christmas; Chelsea Williams, Peppermints and Mistletoe; Kate Steinway, White Christmas; Pam Taylor, Let’s Get it on for Christmas

BEST VIDEO (INTERNATIONAL) – Straw, Bang Bang; Straw, 1965; Captive (ft. Hannah Trigwell), I Could be the One

BEST VIDEO (COLLABORATION) – Blue Elan Artists, Shine Down on Us; David Garfield and J. Paris, I Lied; Beckett and Claire Ridgely, Butterflies

BEST SINGLE (Male) – Mikey Wax, “Spaceman;” Zvchvivh, “Think of Me;” Tim Maiden, “So Far Gone;” Matt Zambon, “Blue and Yellow;” Jason Crosby, “Final Step”

BEST SINGLE (Female) – Hannah Lucia, “Your Love;” Heather Bond, “Keep it Quiet;” Ashleigh Watson, “Little Love;” Liz Kennedy (ft. Taj Mahal), “Everyone Knows how it Goes”

BEST SINGLE (Group) –   Featurette, “Upside Down;” Delsinki, “Wishing Upon a Star;” Echo City, “Burn Me;” Astral Queen, “Take it all the Way;” The Sound of Ghosts, “Train to Nowhere”

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST/BAND – The Fisherman and the Sea, Belle Miners, The Raft, HUNDREDS, Wolf & Moon

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST – Case Garrett, Tim Bennett, Whitney Lusk, Kaylee Keller, Ryan Sims

BEST COUNTRY BAND – CALICO the Band, Steve Azar and the Kings Men, Honey County

BEST BLUES ARTIST – Pam Taylor, John Verity, Stacy Jones, Alastair Greene, R. D. Olson, Dave Hunt

BEST BLUES BAND – Paradise Kings, FreeWorld, Andrea Harsell and Luna Roja, BB and the Blues Shacks, Chris Daniels and the Kings, The McKee Brothers

BEST POP ARTIST (Female) – Marina V, Cindy Alexander, Katie Costello, Alex Mabey, Maggie McClure, Rosi Golan

BEST POP ARTIST (Male) – Curtis Peoples, Fernando Perdomo, Matt Westerman, Bryan Stephens, Ben Anderson, LeRiche

BEST POP BAND – Flood Coats, Seasonal Beast, Elizabeth and the Catapult, Warbly Jets, High Dive Heart, Laini and the Wildfire

BEST ROCK ARTIST – Billy Burnette, Rusty Young, Ben Lorentzen, Russ Carrick, Robert Francis, Peter Simpson

BEST ROCK BAND – The Khourys, Surf Rock is Dead, Social Repose, The Slants, Xs and Arrows, Dopapod

BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST – Ray Goren, Leslie Clio, Zoey Clarke, Louise Lemon

BEST R&B/SOUL/RETRO BAND – The Marias, The Commotions, Burgess Meredith

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST (Female) – Lydia Loveless, Shannon McNally, Liz Kennedy, Chelsea Williams, Amilia K. Spicer, Suzanne Santo

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST (Male) – Rich McCulley, Marc Berger, Chuck McDermott, Jason Hawk Harris, Sam Marine, Vinnie Paolizzi

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA BAND – Great Willow, The County Liners, JD and the Straight Shot, The Empty Pockets, Dead Rock West

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST/BAND – The Jerry Douglas Band, The Grascals, My Girl My Whiskey and Me, Tommy Emmanuel and David Grisman

BEST JAZZ/INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST/BAND – Tout, Noon, Monica Chapman, John McLaughlin, KRON, Dave Yaden

BEST DANCE ARTIST/BAND – The Innocent Bystanders, TYA, Elephant Stone, Niteshifters, Cara Frew

BEST REGGAE ARTIST/BAND – Never Ending Fall

BEST PUNK BAND – Franks and Deans, Emmer Effer, Hang Tight, The Paranoid Style

BEST HARD ROCK/METAL BAND – SBK, Vacant Home, Aviator, The Black Hand, Downfall 2012

BEST FOLK ARTIST – Ben Bostick, Canyon City, Garrison Starr, Fred Smith, Sierra Blanca, Brandon Luedtke

BEST FOLK BAND – Tony Lovato and MEST, Fire Chief Charlie, Amber Run, Nescora, FXRRVST

BEST TRADITIONAL FOLK BAND – Storywrens, The East Pointers

BEST PROG ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Orissa, Dave Kerzner

RISING STAR – Ray Goren, Kaylee Keller, Rachel Ariana, Gina Sicilia, Chelsea Williams

We encourage to subscribe so you can keep up with the Awards and with our blog year-round.  We’ll be back tomorrow with the first reviews for the next cycle.