..It was an amazing show, Saturday night, May 9th; at the Barrymore in Madison.
A great, rowdy crowd who loves their local music– filling the most seats in the 3+ years I’ve been involved. And it was people of all ages and interests enjoying performances from bands, artists, d.j.’s and even dancers of all types.
“THE MAMAS” is again a dress-up affair. I’ve described it as our area’s version of the grammy’s. You can walk the red carpet as you arrive and once inside, check out the amazing outfits: girls and women in cocktail dresses, evening gowns and funky rock-n-roll type clothes (my favorite was a bright blue dress and the young lady was wearing a wig to match! Fun!) The men and boys did not disappoint: from 2 or 3 piece suits to tux-jackets with jeans and some fun t-shirts under cool jackets. The hair and hats were also fun. (my favorite was an all black long-jacket tux with a black derby hat and all white accents. Nice!)
My Madison T.V., channel 14 is one of the event sponsors; and we introduced the nominees for the biggest award of the night: Artist of the Year— during a “My Madison” Music series only on News 3 at 9 last week. You met Maggie and Sims from Harmonious Wail, DuDu and D.L.O. from dumate, JAH Boogie and Aaron from Natty Nation, and Lucas from The Lucas Cates Band. It was a fun week of local musicians joining me live to talk about their craft and we used video from our partner “Urban Theater” to showcase their music during the interview.
The winner? The Lucas Cates Band.
I got to speak briefly with Lucas via his Mom’s cell phone and the band was surprised and thrilled. The band is on the road (this particular night getting ready to play in Idaho) in the middle of a month+ long tour around the western states. Both Mom & Dad accepted awards on their behalf.
The goal of the awards show is to get and keep kids, who otherwise can’t afford to play music or buy an instrument; active with music.
One young lady’s grown into a second violin– both provided by “THE MAMAS.” We saw an amazing performance by a group from West High– which helps you realize why putting young people and music together is a winning combination.
Some of you have asked why I’m interested. I feel really lucky that my parents started my music education in 3rd grade with piano lessons. I played into my college years where I would accompany music majors during their senior concerts. I also played alto saxophone from 6th grade through my sophomore year of college. It’s fun and a great way to meet people with similar interests. I found it a wonderful way to bond with friends who are still my pals today. My brother’s also played in band– one was a first chair trumpet and beautiful singer in swing choir and barbershop quartet; the other jammed on the drums and also found a great voice for madrigal. I think music can also be a good diversion for kids who might otherwise get in trouble. I encourage all parents to get your children involved– the earlier the better! (One of the winning bands has been together since junior high school!
O.K., here’s a few of the other “MAMAS” winners. You can find the complete list and more information at: www.themamas.org
Artist of the Year: The Lucas Cates Band
Blues Performer: Queenie and the Blue Cats
Classical Song of the Year: Jeff Larsen “Mini Suite for Two Guitars”
Country/Bluegrass Performer: Kristy Larson
Cover Band Performer: VO5
Electronic Album of the Year: Sensuous Enemy “Fragments”
Folk/Americana Album: Josh Harty “A Long List of LIes”
Jazz Album: Harmonious Wail “Resist Temptation”
Live Music Venue: High Noon Saloon
Local Record Music Store: B-Side Records
New Artist Performer: Gladstone
Pop Song: The Lucas Cates Band “All The Pieces”
Recording Studio: Paradyme Studios
Rock Album: The Kissers
Unique Song: Art Paul Schlosser “Have A Peanut Butter Sandwich”
Urban/R & B Performer: Felicia Alima
Video of the Year: Sunspot “Sweet Relief”
Vocalist/Female: Danielle Brittany
Vocalist/Male: JAH Boogie
World Album: Natty Nation “Reincarnation”
Youth Vocalist of the Year: Del Preston
Rock on! Teri
E-mail me at: tbarr@wisctv.com
