The venue was set for last night’s 22nd annual Boston Music Awards at the Liberty Hotel (once known as the Charles Street Jail). Cars waited in the valet line and VIP passes were handed out to their lucky recipients. On the 4th floor of one of Boston’s newest luxury hotels, Lisa Bello, bounced around the green room in anticipation of the big night. Decked out in full make-up and sweatpants, she finished off some watermelon pop rock candy before getting dressed for her big night.
And what a big night it was.
Lisa Bello, who at the age of 13 rocked the Apollo theatre, describes herself as, “a tattooed Italian broad with Mary’s pipes and Whitney’s gusto.” Both Lisa and her brother Louie are stars in Boston’s music scene, excelling in both songwriting and singing. Lisa has collaborated with some big names including: Jake the Snake, Dre Robinson, Team 220, DJ Clinton Sparks, DJ On&On, JayCeeOh, and Makio from MTV’s Making the Band. On award show night, Lisa was up for 3 nods: Female Vocalist of the Year, Best Song of the Year (for “Leave Me Alone”) and R&B Act of the Year – with her brother, Louie Bello, in the competition.
From floor to ceiling, the hotel’s dramatic architecture was filled with anticipation. Artists and members of Boston’s close knit music community mingled on each level of the building. These awards have been hosted in the past by The Roxy on Tremont, but the change in venue allowed for a change in atmosphere. Nominees performed 30 minute sets spread throughout 4 rooms, instead of being limited to a one-song quickie.
One the topmost floor, overlooking the impressive atrium, the nominees and winners were announced in each category on a big screen. Cheers rung out as groups of fans and supporters heard their favorite artist’s name called.
R&B Act of the Year goes to….LISA BELLO!
Lisa, her family, friends, fans and adoring street team, celebrated with a high energy set of non-stop hits. She performed some singles off of her album, Double Life, and elated the crowd with her charisma and talent. Her brother Louie was on hand, along with an equally talented eight-piece band, to cap off a night of truly inspiring music.
If you missed the show-stopper, Lisa Bello, perform at this year’s Boston Music Awards, be sure to check her website [http://lisabello.wordpress.com] for the band’s schedule.
Extra note: A member of Lisa’s band, Malik Williams, was also awarded a BMA for Producer of the Year – R&B/Pop.
Here is a list of all the winners:
Act of the Year - Passion Pit
Album of the Year – “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin” - The Low Anthem
Song of the Year – “The Reeling” – Passion Pit
Americana Act of the Year – Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles
Blues Act of the Year – David Maxwell
DJ/Electronic Act of the Year – Bodega Girls
Folk Act of the Year – Ellis Paul
Gospel/Choir Act of the Year – Berklee Reverence Gospel Choir
Hip Hop Act of the Year – Esoteric
International Music Act of the Year – Debo
Jazz Act of the Year – Esperanza Spalding
Metal Act of the Year – Converge
New Act of the Year – Mean Creek
Male Vocalist of the Year – Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Female Vocalist of the Year – Sarah Cronin (Drug Rug)
Producer of the Year – Hip Hop – D-Tension
Producer of the Year – Pop/R&B – Malik Williams
Producer of the Year – Rock – Paul Kolderie/Adam Taylor
Punk Act of the Year – Dropkick Murphys
R&B Act of the Year – Lisa Bello
Rock Act of the Year – The Upper Crust
Singer/Songwriter of the Year – Will Dailey
Live Act of the Year – Rubblebucket
Pop Act of the Year – Everyday Visuals
Unsung Hero Award – Dennis Brennan
Humanitarian of the Year – Ernie Boch, Jr.
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