There is something awe inspiring about this time of the year as the awards we bestow to those who excel in the creative arts are splashed across media headlines.
And in Grand Rapids, we are no different. Our awards season is just as exciting as any in Los Angeles or New York, but obviously on a more intimate and smaller scale.
One event marking the start of the its second decade is the
Community Media Center's Jammie Awards handed out by their fiercely independent and listener driven radio station, WYCE, 88.1 FM.
Their programming has always been eclectic and a personal favorite of mine for many years (except when a epic 10 minute Celtic storytelling tune begins.)
But their alternative format represented something more than just diversity of scope. WYCE has made it a core mission to provide the springboard for local musicians to launch their music to individuals in this region.
When the Jammies began 11 years ago, the choices were impressive to what area musicians were able to create and produce. But now as we enter a digital revolution, the offerings from our area musicians are downright mind blowing in their scale and production values.
As metro Grand Rapids has grown in sophistication, so has our appetite for local music. To wit: this year's Jammie Awards being held again at The Intersection Lounge, February 16 starting at 5:45 PM, will be their biggest awards show ever with more than 100 entries!
This year's award ceremony has two stages showcasing more than 25 acts who will perform at this always free event.
Also debuting will be a food and clothing drive benefiting
Feeding America West Michigan and
In the Image, respectively. People who are generous will also find out how generous the Jammies can be with a special gift.
I think WYCE's Programming Director Matt Jarrells said it best when he looked over the long list of performers and sighed: "I wish it was two nights."
As I look over the very fun Jammies and other impressive choices for this week, "I wish I was two people" to enjoy them all.
The Future Needs All of Us (
and maybe a clone or two.)
Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor
Email:
[email protected]Twitter Feed: @
TommyGSync
Click here to continue to this week's G-Sync events.Photo provided by Brian Kelly Photography
Press Releases for upcoming events in the West Michigan area should be sent to
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