Local music prevailed Friday as 24 West Michigan artists took the stage for the 17th annual Jammie Awards, presented by local independent station WYCE Radio (88.1 FM), a proud service of the Community Media Center.
The “Big Jammie,” or album of the year award, went to Vox Vidorra for their latest record “Promise Land.” They also won “Song of the Year,” for "We're So Lonely." Because they won by only one vote, WYCE gave its first ever runner-up award to The Go Rounds for their third album, “Don’t Go Not Changin’.”
Twenty awards were handed out over the course of the six hour event. The winners were selected by WYCE's volunteer programmers, as well as two “Listener’s Choice” awards.
"The musicians work hard all year long and need to be celebrated for what they contribute to the region," says WYCE Station Manager AJ Paschka, who organizes the event. "This night shows the pride Grand Rapids has in independent musicians and it shows the respect and honor we have for everyone willing to get up onstage and lend their voice."
The awards given included everything from Song of the Year and Best New Artist to a variety of genre-specific recognitions.
Lady Ace Boogie, who won “Best Album By a New Artist” as well as Hip Hop Album of the Year, jumped on stage after her name was called, elated.
"I'm not gonna lie, I was hoping for this one," she said with a laugh. "This means a lot to me. Last year I stood right over there in the audience and said, 'I've got to be here next year.' And here I am.”
As the night wore on the venue became even more packed and the energy level continued to build. It reached a fever pitch as electronic album of the year recipient Tunde Olaniran took the stage and worked the crowd into a dancing frenzy with cuts from his new album, “Transgressor.”
Following Olaniran's set, Local Spins’ John Sincevic presented Ralston Bowles with the Legacy Award for his contributions to local music in Grand Rapids.
"What we come here to celebrate tonight is local music and local bands," Bowles said, award in hand. "Some of the best music in the world comes out of Grand Rapids and West Michigan.”
After Bowles performed a short solo set, Lady Ace Boogie was presented with the “Best Album By a New Artist” award. She capped off the night with a lengthy set featuring DJ Dean Martian, incorporating break dancers, guest performances by Rosewood 2055 and more.
Ralston Bowles hosted an after-party in The Stache at the end of the evening. He jammed onstage with Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe, whose new album “Maybe the Saddest Thing” earned them an award for best contemporary folk album.
“I appreciate the local community here,” Mainville said. “It’s amazing here. I’ve never seen it in another place.”
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
