Now in its 16th year, The San Diego Music Awards has become the local music fan’s biggest night out. Moved from past years’ appearances at Humphrey’s by the Bay, the Sept. 18 event will be held this year at Viejas’ “Concerts In The Park” venue in Alpine.
The awards are handed out annually to both showcase area musicians and raise money for the “Taylor Guitars For Kids” program. To date, the awards have raised more than $200,000 for San Diego elementary schools, providing guitars and music instruction. In the process, the event has gone from a regional gathering to a ceremony of national significance, with major labels paying attention.
San Diego’s music scene has exploded in the last decade and the acts performing at this year’s awards show reflect the wide spectrum of music that can be heard locally. Taking the stage in between the handing out of trophies will be rock hit-makers Switchfoot, best known for “Stars” and “Dare You To Move,” as well as hard rockers P.O.D., who scored big with “Youth of a Nation,” big enough that their music was included in promotions for the recent “Superman” film.
The bill will be rounded out by appearances from Americana-tinged singer-songwriter Arabella Harrison, Latin jazz favorites The B-Side Players and rockers Dirty Sweet and Transfer. Even with such a great talent roster, one of the evening’s highlights is sure to be a one-time only joint performance by troubadour Gregory Page, trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos and piano icon A.J. Croce, all of whom currently record for Seedling Records.
While they won’t be performing, it will also be a special treat to see “Lifetime Achievement Award” winners and jazz legends Jeannie and Jimmy Cheatham, who made a recent appearance at the OB Jazz Fest Sept. 10.
“I think San Diego is a special city when it comes to our music, and this is all a way to show it,” said Al Guerra, president of the awards’ parent organization, The San Diego Music Foundation. He is likely best known, however, as the host of long-running 91XFM local music show, “Loudspeaker.”
“The fact that the public can vote on the performers makes it a real indication of what is going on locally,” he continued. “I can’t think of a better way to highlight the incredible talent we have here, and help out in the local schools in the process.”
Gary Hankins, frontman for indie rockers UV Tigers, who are nominated in the “Best New Artist” category, agreed, but said he sees another bonus to the proceedings.
“It’s great for helping the kids learn about music, but the other part of it is that this show brings together the music community as well,” Hankins added. “Pretty much everyone from everywhere is there, it’s amazing. Definitely the most important outing of the year.”
Troubadour Gregory Page, who will perform at the event and is nominated in the “Best Acoustic Performer” category, sees the awards in more practical terms.
“If, in the end, through the money raised, it helps get kids off video games and back at creating something, everybody wins. It is wonderful to be able to raise money for something so special. The arts always lose in schools,” Page said.
While all the nominees would like to take a trophy home, Cady Truckee of “Best Americana” contenders The Truckee Brothers, pointed out that while the awards do pit bands against each other, there is little competitive behavior amongst the artists. He considered the closeness of the local scene.
“A lot of us work together on different projects and know each other from gigs and studios. So really, most people are happy just to be a part of the whole thing, and may the best man win.”
And with the mix of radio and TV personalities, record producers, promoters, managers and journalists in attendance, as well as most of the musicians within a hundred-mile radius of the venue, the awards are the biggest networking opportunity of the year.
It’s that sort of exposure that appeals most to country crooner Peter Bolland of The Coyote Problem, also “Best Americana” nominees.
“You’re among your peers, both in the audience and among the nominees, and get exposed to a lot of types of music fans “” that means a lot,” Bolland said. “With the money going to help kids, we’re seeding the next generations of musicians, but the chance to get your band’s name in front of a large audience is a win in itself. It’s a way of telling the public that you do, indeed, make a decent sound.”