Last night, the 35th annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry (a.k.a. “WAMI”) Awards came to Turner Hall. Those who shelled out $35 to attend—or an unthinkable $59.99 or $99.99 for single and couple VIP passes, respectively—saw homegrown heavy-hitters Phox, Field Report, GGOOLLDD, The Delta Routine, and Judas Priest (wait, what?) taking home trophies. Meanwhile, Sigmund Snopek, Plasticland, and The Robbs earned enshrinement in the WAMI Hall Of Fame.
Love them, hate them, or not give a shit about them, the WAMIs show no signs of going away. Though Judas Priest’s “Global Honorary Hall Of Fame” nod is puzzling, and The Happy Schnapps Combo was robbed in the Polka category, and the award-winning “venue” is actually a sports bar in Menasha without a stage, it’s hard to dislike in-state musicians getting some positive attention. Here’s the entire list of winners, via the Journal Sentinel.
Artist of the Year: PHOX
Album of the Year: Marigolden, Field Report
Song of the Year: “Gold,” GGOOLLDD
Female Vocalist: Shaun Marie
Male Vocalist: Paul Lent
New Artist: GGOOLLDD
Pop Rock: Doozey
Alternative: The Delta Routine
Hard Rock/Metal: Conniption
Blues: Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys
Bluegrass/Americana: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
Rap/Hip-Hop: WebsterX
Jazz: Vivo
Rising Star: Hannah Mrozak
Country: Pat Watters Band
Soul/R&B: Tweed Funk
World: De La Buena
Folk/Celtic: Reilly
Tribute: The Prince Experience
Cover Band: Consult the Briefcase
Christian/Gospel: Masonic Wonders
Singer-Songwriter: Christopher Gold
Horn/Big Band: Vic Ferrari Symphony on the Rocks
Polka: The Squeezettes
Club DJ: Kiings
Drummer: Alan Arber
Guitarist: Bill House
Keyboard Player: Jimmy Voegeli
Bass: Evan Paydon
Reeds: Andy Spadafora
Strings: Peter Thomas
Studio: Cherry Pit
Engineer: Tony Anders and Eric LaBrosse
Live Venue: Stone Toad
Hall of Fame: Sigmund Snopek III, the Robbs, Plasticland
Global Honorary Hall of Fame: Judas Priest
President’s Award: James McMahon
WAMI People’s Choice Winners
Southwest: Pat Watters Band (band); Kathy Wacker (teacher); WCOW-FM (radio); Fawn Creek Winery (venue)
Northwest: Brian McLaughlin (band and teacher); WYTE-FM (radio); Hodag (venue)
Northeast: Diamond & Steel (band); Mark Budwit (teacher); WAPL-FM (radio); JJ Maloneys (venue)
Southeast: Rabid Aardvarks (band); Derek Machan (teacher); WYMS-FM (radio); Cue Club of Wisconsin (venue)