Jammie Awards show to feature sets by Big Dudee Roo, Lady Ace Boogie, Tunde Olaniran, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Lippies

Radio station WYCE-FM’s 2016 mega-party at The Intersection on Feb. 19 boasts 25 acts on two stages, with Bigfoot Buffalo, The Waxies, Rick Chyme, The Legal Immigrants and more. View the entire lineup.

 

When the 17th edition of the WYCE Jammie Awards honoring West Michigan’s best bands and solo artists powers up at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Feb. 19, 20 emerging regional acts will perform sets at the prestigious event for the first time ever.

Popular Michigan mainstays – and returnees – Greg Nagy, Vox Vidorra, Dave Hardin and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish also are in the mix for what’s regarded as the region’s biggest night for music, with more than two dozen performances on two stages and awards bestowed to 2015’s best local recordings.

In addition, much-beloved Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles will receive WYCE’s Legacy Award – the first person ever to be honored as both musician and “community partner.” Bowles not only is a past Jammie Award winner for his compelling Americana albums, but has been widely praised for his ceaseless support and promotion of the Grand Rapids-area music scene.

More than 100 albums are up for awards in 14 categories, with 72 recordings nominated in the ‘best album by a new artist’ category alone. Check out the roster of nominees at wyce.org.

First-time performers at this year’s event include established bands such as Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Jukejoint Handmedowns, Big Dudee Roo, The Waxies and Scott Pellegrom Trio, along with highly praised, up-and-coming acts Lady Ace Boogie, Bigfoot Buffalo, The Lippies, Megan Dooley, Tunde Olaniran, The Soul Syndicate, The Legal Immigrants and others.

“It means a lot,” said Bigfoot Buffalo frontman Kyle Brown of earning a performance slot. The eclectic rootsy jam band is nominated in multiple categories for its self-titled debut album.

“It felt really great to have the album be nominated for a few awards, and to be asked to play at the awards show is really an honor. We’re really excited for a whole bunch of people who may not have heard of us before to hear our live sound.”

Mike Coon, guitarist for West Michigan’s The Soul Syndicate, a vintage R&B band, called the honor “a bucket list” event. “I couldn’t be any prouder of the guys and what they have accomplished,” he added. “Very cool.”

For past Jammie winner and performer Greg Nagy, a blues guitarist from Grand Blanc whose 2015 album, “Stranded,” has earned national recognition, praise and airplay (and Jammie Award nominations), there’s nothing quite like the Jammies.

“Honestly, the Jammies have gotten it right on every level,” he said. “No egos backstage, great stage management, and DJs and programmers who are world-class. Win, lose, or draw, it’s an honor beyond measure to be a small part of such a big, big event.”

The 2016 Jammie Awards take place starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at The Intersection in downtown Grand Rapids. A $5 donation to WYCE is the suggested admission; non-perishable food items for area non-profits also will be accepted. Performances will take place in both the main showroom and The Stache, aka front lounge.

AJ Paschka, WYCE station manager, said sponsors realize this community event is “something to take real pride in and are contributing to make the event as professional as it has ever been. We are experiencing music groups getting more exciting than ever before. More than a few groups are making waves nationally and the connection between the artists and the fans is getting electric.”

The lead sponsor for the Jammie Awards is Bell’s Brewery. Supporting sponsors are The Intersection, Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse, San Chez, On Stage Services, Rainbow Music, Aria Show Technology, Revue, Complete Weddings & Events and GRTV.

Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC