A lovely Charlotte Princess walks the Red Carpet at the CMA's
In a region that seems sated with musical talent, the 3rd annual Charlotte Music Awards recognized several Carolinian's who have furthered their cause during the past year with contribution, performance, hard damned work, and possibly a few tears. In a couple of cases what is being witnessed is the transition from seed to flower. Of special note in the Junior category, Jaz was crowned Best Pop Artist and performed a wonderful little Pop / Dance number reminiscent of an early Paula Abdul choreography.
Not many people consider a rewards show to be the most engaging event they might attend in a year, but there were several noteable performances to offset the littany of awards presented. Early on in the show we were treated to an impressive Jazz violin display by Daniel Davis. Daniel was named the SonicBids Best Jazz Artist later in the show. His performance highlighted why he is a winner.
CMA Red Carpet photos. CMA show photos.
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Donna Duncan Band @ the 3rd annual Charlotte Music Awards
Other performances during the evening featured ThermaFuse Award for Best Blues Artist, Donna Duncan and her band as they rocked the Booth Playhouse early in the show. Jeff Luckdoo performed after winning the Best Country Artist award. Jeff and band had the house all roped in as they performed an upbeat country tune. Best R&B Artist winner Ida Divine performed next showing a familiarity with the stage and the ability to showcase a dance routine with song. She played well to the audience engaging them through the song.
Simplified showed why they won the Best Rock Artist Award followed by lead singer Clee Laster taking home Best Male Vocalist honors with a powerful original rock tune that resinated with the entire house. The rock vibe continued later with Breakout Band category winner Lyra Shines performing their high energy youth power rock. This band also had the distinction of having a multi-category winner as their lead singer, Julia Bullock, won Best Female Vocalist honors as well! It was a great night for both of these groups and their families.
CMA Red Carpet photos. CMA show photos.
A highlight tonight had to be the smooth jazz performance by the Groove Masters. These guys have it all. Tight vocals, encompassing percussion, a non-instrusive melodic bass, and additionally the Groove Masters have a sax player that is world-class allowing this group to go anywhere on the Jazz highway they want.
Jaz - Winner Junior CMA Best Pop Artist
Most of the rest of the night was taken up by the reason the gathering was held. That is to recognize the talented people who had been selected by the CMA committee as winners in their various categories. It’s a wonderful thing to celebrate Carolina musicians and so many of them come from the Charlotte area! While people may agree or disagree with the selections or even a process, its most important to focus on what the event works to achieve. The promotion, celebration and support of talented musicians and the resulting diversity of music in our community. We’re all the better for it.
Let the winners bask in their well deserved glory while the rest of us celebrate tonight’s victories and feel blessed that we live in a community so full of talent to share!
CMA Red Carpet photos. CMA show photos.
Thanks to Jeff Cheen and the CMA organization for going through the long process of getting us to tonight and for hosting such a nice event in sharing these results in relative comfort.
Congratulations to all of the winners as noted below!
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT James Foxx;
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT James McGill;
SPECIAL RECOGNITION Al Gardner;
SPECIAL RECOGNITION N.C. Music Hall of Fame;
SPECIAL RECOGNITION Jared Stamey;
Wave Energy Drink Award BEST WORLD MUSIC ARTIST Tsunami Wave Riders;
ThermaFuse Award BEST BLUES ARTIST Donna Duncan;
BEST COUNTRY ARTIST Jeff Luckadoo;
BEST R&B ARTIST Ida Divine;
BEST HIP HOP ARTIST McKeve;
BREAKOUT BAND Lyra Shines;
BEST GOSPEL GROUP The Jones Brothers;
BEST ROCK BAND Simplified;
BEST JAZZ BAND Groove Masters;
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST Julia Bullock;
BEST MUSIC PUBLICATION The Carolina Promoter;
BEST DJ - RADIO Divakar Shukla;
PRODUCERS CHOICE HIP HOP Dre Money;
BEST MARCHING BAND Harding University High School Band Of Gold;
SonicBids Best Country Artist CiCi Jansen;
SonicBids Best Pop Artist Matt Annecharico;
SonicBids Best R&B Group Cagle & Nash;
SonicBids BEST JAZZ ARTIST Daniel D;
BEST RECORDING STUDIO Studio East;
BEST SMALL VENUE Pucketts Farm Equipment;
BEST CHARLOTTE FESTIVAL BlocktoberFest;
BEST SINGER/SONGWRITER Bobby Ray;
BEST DJ - CLUB Mike Soden;
Junior Charlotte Music Awards BEST POP ARTIST Jaz;
BEST MALE VOCALIST Clee Laster;
Special Recognition Jody Sullivan;
Special Recognition Julia Dixon
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