Last night was the 5th annual WMRC Local Music Awards. For the 3rd year straight I was honored to win the “Favorite Local Non-Musician Supporter”. The dog is not impressed, I think she sees the trophy as a threat to my attention. If she only knew how many people asked about her at the award show, I could not make it through the crowd without a compliment on Josie.

As for the show, there really is nothing like it – picture the Grammys but local, watchable and no one is lip syncing. Get out and support local music, the scene is like no other but like anything great, it is fragile. I have been to shows where the rooms are filled to capacity, I have been to shows where I am the only one. These artist give it their all no matter how many are in the room, but these venues will only keep the shows going if it financially makes sense. So go out, buy a beer, have a meal, listen to some great music, then next year vote for your favorites and join us at the next LMAs.

Congratulations to Ray and Molly Auger and all the other coordinators for a perfect night. Thanks to Liz’s Diamond and staff for hosting, Milford TV for broadcasting/recording the show and most of all all the nominees and winners for just being awesome. Below is a photo of all the nominees in one shot, if you want to see the whole set from the night click here and enjoy.

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There are so many talented musicians in this area, to be considered part of your “scene” is an honor. What makes the award special to me is how I’ve met so many of you guys, most from conversations started about a toy shot I took, or a landscape or family pic I shared. I get approached by someone saying “I follow your pictures”, meanwhile I am there “as a fan of your music”. Last winter when I had a gallery the number of musicians that came out to see my work was overwhelming. Support truly works both ways, as appreciative as I am to be singled out for this, I am even more humbled by the support of the people who awarded it. Last night I wish I thanked Justin and Ray when I had the mic, they were the first ones to bring me in to shoot their gigs and now they are not only two of my favorite subjects, but some of my closest friends. (I assume they keep me around to make them look good – I mean, someone has to). Thanks again to everyone, just know people are looking at the photos means a lot. Below are some of my favorite photos from the last year, Justin & Ray, Tollbooth Willie, Teter Todders, We Were Astronauts, Gay Barboza, The Bill McGoldrick Acoustic Duo, Featuring Pamela Stiebler, Zero Drift, Whiskey Bent. There are more, people need to go hear these and all the other local acts, it is a great way to spend a weekend night, you can find out the who/when/where anytime at The Local Lowdown.

Click here for all the photos from the 2014 Local Music Awards.

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