WAMI ANNOUNCES 27TH ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

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Wisconsin’s top musicians, artists, bands, and industry notables were recognized for their contributions to the state’s diverse music scene at the 27th Annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards Show, held Monday, April 30, at the Northern Lights Theater at Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Bingo and Casino.

Awards were given in 35 categories, ranging from recognition for musicianship and recordings to the industry-related technical areas, with recipients hailing from all areas of the state. Award recipients are as follows:

Band/Artist Web Site: www.twangdragons.com
Bassist: Todd Richardson
Big Band/Swing: Swing Nouveau
Bluegrass/Americana: Andy’s Automatics
Blues Group/Artist: Alex Wilson
CD/Recording: “Comin Out Swingin” – Boxkar
Classical: Fox Valley Symphony
Contemporary Jazz Group/Artist: Chris Crain & Co.
Country: Chasin’ Mason
Cover: The Toys
Drummer/Percussionist: Greg Thiel
Female Vocalist: Ronnie Nyles
Folk/Acoustic Group/Artist: Bazooka Joe
Gospel/Christian Group/Artist: Rodney Cunningham
Group/Artist: Skillet
Guitarist: Jack Grassel
Keyboardist (tie) Dean Lea and Johnny Palecek
Male Vocalist: Geoff Landon
New Group/Artist: Hindsight
Pop/Adult Contemporary: The Mahp
Print Media: Shepherd Express
Producer: Joe Puerta
Radio Station: WMSE FM
R&B/Soul Group/Artist: Mary Davis
Reeds/Brass: Jeff Petrangelo
Rock Group/Artist: BelleVue Suite
Song: “Drinkin About You” – Twang Dragons
Specialty Instrumentalist: Russ Greeley – Violin
Specialty/Nostalgia Group/Artist: The Tempters
Stage Production: On Stage Audio
Studio: Renwood Messenger Studio
Traditional Jazz Group/Artist: Paul Spencer
Urban/Hip Hop/Scratch: ILL Groove Movement
Venue: Caroline’s
World Beat (tie): Unity and Nabori

In addition, People’s Choice Awards for “Best Band/Artist of the Year” were presented for each quadrant of the state:

Southeast Quadrant – Mt. Olive
Northeast Quadrant – Cool Waters
Northwest Quadrant – Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys
Southwest Quadrant – Madison County

Two WAMI members were honored with the organization’s Presidents Award at the program, as the East Town Association and Summerfest were recognized for their commitment to the music industry.

There were two inductees into the WAMI Hall of Fame Class of 2007, with Jim Krueger and Bob Kames earning honors.

Krueger was a gifted guitarist and native of Manitowoc, whose posthumous induction is in recognition of his guitar skills and being an occasional co-songwriter with Dave Mason from the mid-70s throughout the early 80s. Krueger wrote Mason’s biggest hit “We Just Disagree.” He released a solo album in 1978 called “Sweet Salvation,” and in the early 90s, he was a key member (”Otto”) of the Manitowoc-based novelty/bar band the Happy Schnapps Combo.

Kames is best known for introducing the song “The Chicken Dance” (formerly “Dance Little Bird”) to the United States in 1982. The song was first recorded in Milwaukee by Kames and his son and daughter (“Dad and the Kids”), and by the end of 1982, more than a million copies were sold worldwide. Additionally, he performed other songs, including “Mr. Sandman” and “The Clap Clap Song.” Kames, s a member of the Polka duo Happy Organ, has recorded more than 72 albums during his music career. A foundation bearing his name was formed in 2005 with a mission of encouraging youth, especially high school music groups, and parents to get their children involved in music at an early age.

The Award Show included performances by 10 artists and nominees, and concluded with a Post-Show Party.

Promoting the Wisconsin music scene, WAMI provides funds to students and emerging artists, and offers continuing education for music industry professionals through monthly meetings, and semi-annual music seminars. For more information about WAMI, visit www.wamimusic.com. WAMI sponsors include Potawatomi Bingo Casino, The Milwaukee Ale House, and Shepherd Express.

Milwaukee meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Avenue. Racine/Kenosha meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday at the Brat Stop, 12304 75th Street (Hwy 50 & I94) in Kenosha. Fox Valley meetings are held at Mill Creek Blues, 417 W. College Avenue in Appleton. Please continue checking this website for updates.