After the April 15 ceremony was rescheduled on account of a blizzard, the 38th annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards (aka “WAMIs”) took over the Appleton Performing Arts Center Sunday night, and what a night it was. Those in attendance were treated to performances by The Cherrypops, Husher, SACRED, and more. GGOOLLDD, Abby Jeanne, Platinum Boys, Soul Low, and, um, Vic Ferrari won big at the ceremony. Blues guitarist Billy Flynn, glam metal singer (and Cheeseheads With Attitude frontman) Stevie Rachelle, and jazz trumpeter Bunny Berigan were inducted into the WAMI Hall of Fame. Oh, and Happy Schnapps Combo totally got robbed in the Polka Artist category.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Artist of the Year: GGOOLLDD
Album of the Year: Tre Principesse, Getting To Know You
Song of the Year: Altered Five Blues Band, “Charmed And Dangerous”
New Artist: Tre Principesse
Female Vocalist: Abby Jeanne
Male Vocalist: Kyle Menga
Singer/Songwriter: Tom Thief
Rising Star: Lokke and Jaid Ruffing (tie)
Alternative Rock/Rock Artist: Kyle Megna & The Monsoons
Bluegrass/Americana: Ordinary Heathens
Blues Artist: Altered Five Blues Band
Christian/Gospel: John Paul Larson
Country Artist: Bella Cain
Cover Artist: Vic Ferrari
Folk/Celtic: Warrior Songs
Hard Rock: Black Belt Theatre
Metal: Beatallica
Punk: Platinum Boys
Jazz Artist: Erin Krebs and Jeff Johnston
Polka: Val Sigal Polka
Pop Rock Artist: Soul Low
Hip Hop/Rap Artist: BLAX
R&B/Soul Artist: Porky’s Groove Machine
World/Reggae/Ska/Latin: Unity The Band
Club DJ/Dance/Electronic: NO/NO
Horn/Big Band: Phat Phunktion
Tribute: The Rush Tribute Project
Bass Player: Evil Evans
Drummer: Adam Hatton
Guitar Player: Bobby Evans
Keyboard Player: Mark Chartre
Reeds/Brass Player: Al Falasci
Strings Player: Emily Knutson
Best Studio Engineer/Producer: Tom Washatka
Best Recording Studio: Rock Garden
Best Live Club/Venue: Gibson Music Hall
Best Live Engineer Sound/Lights: Mike Fleury
President’s Award: Ryan Vander Sanden
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
(Northeast)
Band: BoomBoxx
Fan: Jaeden Pillar
Venue: Deja Vu Martini Lounge
Radio Station: Razor 94.7
Music Teacher: Mark Budwit
(Northwest)
Band: Spicy Tie Band
Fan: Leanne Booher
Venue: Hodag
Radio Station: Rock 94.7 WOZZ
Music Teacher: Brian McLaughlin
(Southeast)
Band: The Playlist
Fan: Dan Goretski
Venue: The Saloon On Calhoun
Radio Station: 91.7 WMSE
Music Teacher: Daniel Faustmann
(Southwest)
Band: Pat Watters Band
Fan: Mark Breunig
Venue: Fawn Creek Winery
Radio Station: Rock 97.1 WCOW
Music Teacher: Brad Burril