Sorry The Voting Polls Have Closed...look for the winners in Upcoming Port Folio Issues! GOOD LUCK!
Take a look at this year’s extensive list of local music awards nominees and it should be pretty dang obvious the scene is alive and well in Hampton Roads. Some 107 bands and musicians in 17 categories are in the running. New this year is the song of the year category.
The local music awards originally began in 2000 when Ninevolt Magazine presented them at The Abyss. The awards were designed to give props to regional bands. The event is promoted as a local version of the Grammys and American Music Awards.
This year’s 9th annual awards presentation at the Jewish Mother on February 28 continues the tradition. The musical theme is "Homegrown & Unplugged."
TRIPLE: Narissa Bond is nominated in three categories.
2009 Local Music Awards Nominees
Album of the Year
Three Words
, Narissa Bond
Sunday Morning Blue, Ron Fetner
Change Your Mind, Julie Clark
Rat’s Ass, The Rats
Carry On, Jesse Chong
Black Wing Butterfly, Sekshun 8
Selling Fiction, Funk*sion
Hula Girl Highway, Mike Aiken
The Villains, The Villains
It’s Telling…A Drummer’s Perspective, Jae Sinnett
Planet Full of Blues, Planet Full of Blues
ROCK OF AGES: Revery's John Adkins and Lewis McGehee
Song of the Year
"Change Your Mind," Julie Clark
"1938 (Life Is Still Worth Living)," Days Difference
Thursday, February 12, 2009 9:05:07 PM by Anonymous
WAVA!
Thursday, February 12, 2009 8:13:41 PM by Anonymous
wava
Monday, February 09, 2009 1:03:05 PM by Anonymous
Someone has forgotten to mention Chasing Arrows. They are from Newport News, VA and were nominated or a MTVU Woodie Award in November. They were 1st runner up for that. Rockin local band!!! myspace.com/chasingarrowsmusic
Sunday, February 08, 2009 9:52:45 AM by Anonymous
Just found out that the local band, Planet Full Of Blues, has been listed on the National Roots Blues Chart for the last 12 weeks! How about that for a local blues rock band that primarily plays orginial music cutting through the noise on a National level! My hat is off to you fellows for a job well done and keep on keeping on! Hope to see you guys at Mugzy's in Hampton next Friday night Feb 13. - Jack Russell
Friday, February 06, 2009 7:19:32 PM by Anonymous
Much respect to ALL that use their creativity for the sake of expression
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:04:56 PM by Anonymous
check - family, the influence, download, the rats, natures child, shifty and lewis mcgee. this is who should win the best bands! i am a talent scout and have been for 27 years. i know talent and here are the talented ones! natures child and download should be the next to go big out of south eastern virginia. i know their being watched witch is good things for all of this area. stop the fussing and pull together because you are the only ones who can actually make your area know!- steven orion
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:45:41 AM by Anonymous
PLEASE VOTE CHEK AND THE FAMILY FOR BEST URBAN! THAT IS ALL.
Monday, February 02, 2009 11:18:54 AM by Anonymous
its unbelievable how many haters actually spend time to hate on other bands. Let the bands that were nominated do there thing and stop wasting the 2mins out of your day to preach on how bad this nomination is. Grow up everyone and vote regardless if your favorite band isn't on here.
Friday, January 30, 2009 9:52:50 AM by Anonymous
construct thinks they are the greatest gift around hear! to bad everyone thinks they suck! vote for epoxy! a real metal band! plus, they support local music not preach it! -teddy
Monday, January 26, 2009 10:00:10 PM by Anonymous
The nominees should be those bands and artists that play the most gigs and generate the most exposure. There are artists on this list that hardly play any shows and have not built any fan base. It is a popularity contest and a political game. If you want to be nominated you should play the game and advertise in the magazine. Or even work there. That's the game.
Monday, January 26, 2009 12:30:29 PM by Anonymous
you have'nt been to a download show obviously! probably a band member just pissed because their not in it. grow up
Sunday, January 25, 2009 8:27:43 PM by Anonymous
I agree with the last comment.
Sunday, January 25, 2009 1:36:04 PM by Anonymous
Enough of all this adolescent BS, most of the bands here in this area are trying to be something we have already heard,get a grip all you wanna-b's if it was'nt for your guest list most of you would have no fans, I've been to most of your shows and I'm not impressed with any of it
Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:27:16 AM by Anonymous
Caught Planet Full Of Blues in Richmond, VA last week for the first time. They were awesome! I didn't know that there are local bands out there, especially blues bands, that played so many great original songs. I would definitely recommend checking them out. Their CD is killer as well!
Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:22:59 AM by Anonymous
Vote for the Whiners for real change!
Friday, January 23, 2009 6:19:48 PM by Anonymous
DOWNLOAD FOR METAL BAND OF THE YEAR!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009 4:51:23 PM by Anonymous
Where are the Ben Phelps Project, Parallel Minds, Cory Daniel Band, and Jason Swain & Atlantic Crossing on this list? Parallell Minds and JSAC play every weekend all over Hampton Roads (at the same clubs as some of the better bands on this list), and the Cory Daniel Band and BPP do enough locally to warrant some attention as well. I would consider both JSAC and CDB country to some extent, and they're both more well known than one or two of the others on the country list. And Parallel Minds, JSAC, and the BPP would both fit on the pop/rock category or cover bands (although most of those are spot on).
As far as acoustic music goes.. again, where's Steve and Stacy from Ever After? Ben Phelps? Jason Swain from Atlantic Crossing, Matt Davis from Parallel Minds, or Mitch Foutz or Aaron Kershaw from Tailgate Down? Joe Maniscalco? Eric Insley?
The idea of having local music awards is a good one.. but the people who get the most recognition should be the ones doing the best job at creating the local music scene in Hampton Roads, plain and simple. The list you guys have is good, but could stand for some editing.
Also, to those who say there is no local music scene, this list proves otherwise. The talent here is tremendous, and on any given night, there are at least 30 acts playing throughout the 757. What we don't have is a thriving scene for original music (outside of maybe ten acts), and that is simply because that isn't what people at local venues want to hear.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:24:43 PM by Anonymous
CHEK AND THE FAMILY!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:19:32 PM by Anonymous
actually, there is a scene! just not at the shows that are not promoted! quit crying and get off your asses and put a little work in. it will not be handed to you. you have to work really, really hard for it!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8:35:52 AM by Anonymous
what rectal orifice put revery in the metal awards? just because they play few "metal" shows dose'nt mean their metal -revery- s.o.s -rock iron....just stop allready! vote for epoxy / or download
Monday, January 19, 2009 9:33:19 PM by Anonymous
I don't see any music scene in hampton roads who are you kidding....will someone buy me a bus ticket back home to NYC
Monday, January 19, 2009 8:58:42 PM by Anonymous
Tell me what rectal orifice had Revery removed from the list?
Monday, January 19, 2009 6:26:51 PM by Anonymous
download for best metal band hands down! construct 2nd...and the others, well, what have they done in 2008? and cover bands are for folks who cant come up with material on their own- no more covers, the radio is bad enough! -chris
Sunday, January 18, 2009 10:09:51 PM by Anonymous
not cool portfolio not cool at all as was mentioned earlier, there are many acts out there that work their back sides off, such as "mojave heat bomb" "freedom hawk" and "sevenkin" and many other bands that aren't even mentioned. this is a huge disappointment, it's no wonder this town has no scene.
Sunday, January 18, 2009 12:55:02 PM by Anonymous
Sekshun 8 is so incredible - amazing talent. Their songs are catchy and dark. Their live show is ready for the big time. They are so freakin cool. Listen to the songs on their myspace! I voted for them and so did all my friends!
And Krunch is the hottest cover band in the area! The chemistry they have is magical! JT has the stage presence to match his fantastic vocals! If you missed them New Year's Eve, it was a blast! I voted for them and so did all my friends!
Sunday, January 18, 2009 12:25:29 PM by Anonymous
Planet Full Of Blues - A New Shade of Blue for the 21st Century! www.planetfullofblues.com
Sunday, January 18, 2009 11:52:13 AM by Anonymous
these awards dont do anything but stir drama and brings out the haters! battle of the fans is right- who ever has the most accounts wins - get out of hampton roads if you wanna do something!
Saturday, January 17, 2009 5:11:53 PM by Anonymous
download is to big as well. let some other locals have a shot!
Saturday, January 17, 2009 12:04:15 PM by Anonymous
Dude...Ben Phelps Project...they are too big...we want new local talent not superstars.
Saturday, January 17, 2009 10:28:01 AM by Anonymous
download for the metal award! dont vote for cover bands-
Friday, January 16, 2009 11:36:03 PM by Anonymous
agreeeeed! ALL THE WAY TO JAMAICA!
www.myspace.com/wavamusic
Friday, January 16, 2009 11:34:30 PM by Anonymous
i say WAVA all the way. take it home baby
Friday, January 16, 2009 12:04:31 PM by Anonymous
i saw download at the virginia beach amphitheater two years ago and they rock! count me in to! -rachel
Friday, January 16, 2009 11:21:13 AM by Anonymous
DOWNLOAD for best metal band! they do work!!
Friday, January 16, 2009 6:19:32 AM by Anonymous
how come the voter page isn't working?! I need to vote for
CHEK AND THE FAMILY!
Thursday, January 15, 2009 10:15:12 PM by Anonymous
Planet Full Of Blues-They Are Out Of This World!
Thursday, January 15, 2009 8:42:30 PM by Anonymous
Rock Star Parking ROCKS!
Thursday, January 15, 2009 6:15:43 PM by Anonymous
Thursday, January 15, 2009 1:38:43 PM by Anonymous
Oh Ben... you complain too much
Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:15:08 AM by Anonymous
Why the hell is The Ben Phelps Project not nominated for anything!?!?! They have been opening for acts like Michelle Branch, Colbie Caillet, Pat McGee, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Carbon Leaf. They have played concerts with Edwin McCain, The Romantics, and others. They have been on 93.7, 94.9, and The Sound in OBX. The Ben Phelps Project has done a lot in this area and it seems as though they are going unnoticed by this "LOCAL MUSIC AWARDS". I find that odd and unfair.
Thursday, January 15, 2009 10:10:50 AM by Anonymous
How do bands get put on the nomination? i know some bands that are better than the ones listed, so i don't think i'm going to vote
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:52:15 PM by Anonymous
Rock Star Parking is the best!!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:43:54 PM by Anonymous
Here's a vote for "Corporate Woods Drive" - they are the best!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:16:53 PM by Anonymous
Me to! I am a fellow Planetarian! Planet Full Of Blues!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:14:28 PM by Anonymous
I am getting Planetized in 2009! I voted for Planet Full Of Blues!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:35:41 PM by Anonymous
I vote for the Michael Clark Band THEY ARE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:03:09 PM by Anonymous
I would like to cast my vote for The Michael Clark Band
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 4:20:56 PM by Anonymous
chek and friends woohoo!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 1:48:07 PM by Eddie Sal
It's all about the music, use Portfolio the way they use us to be heard and to be exploited. If you care get off your [censored] and do something about the music scene. Thank you Portfolio for showcasing are local talent.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 1:40:43 PM by Anonymous
Download and Construkt are part of the 'ballet?" They don't look like dancers.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 11:36:46 AM by Anonymous
download and construkt are the only real metal bands on the ballet! download is probably the most hardest working. vote for one of the two....rob
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 6:06:04 PM by Anonymous
I VOTE FOR SHELLEY!!!!!!!!! SHELLEY! SHELLEY! SHELLEY! SHELLEY! SHELLEY!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 9:05:10 AM by Anonymous
try using a different browser.
Monday, January 12, 2009 5:53:13 PM by Anonymous
Is anyone having a problem with the "Click Here" link....it doesn't show up as a hyperlink on my end..
Sunday, January 11, 2009 2:30:05 AM by Brick-Saavy
Appreciate the nomination.
Good Luck and much success to all this year.
Brick-Saavy
www.rebellyfe,com www.myspace.com/bricksaavymusic
Saturday, January 10, 2009 4:54:51 PM by Johnny Ray Light of Planet Full Of Blues
Planet Full Of Blues sincerely appreciates and are humbled by be included with all of the great local Hampton Roads artists! Good luck to everyone! And don't forget to - Get Planetized in 2009!
Johnny Ray Light of Planet Full Of Blues www.planetfullofblues.com
Saturday, January 10, 2009 2:58:39 PM by Anonymous
I vote for The Influence.
Saturday, January 10, 2009 11:49:57 AM by Anonymous
Anyone bother reading this before voting?
The nominations were made by a panel of area music folks including critics, DJs, club owners, record store owners and others.
Support your local music scene, and vote for Chek and the Family
Saturday, January 10, 2009 8:39:08 AM by Ben O'Bryan
Most of these comments posted below are a perfect example of why the local music scene is in such a fractured and factionalized state. As someone who actively goes out to see local music, I'd say the bands and musicians nominated for the awards are in fact the best that Tidewater, Hampton roads, 7 Cities has to offer. Rather than celebrate the diverse and large amount of talent being recognized here for their accomplishments as musicans in 2008, you ("anonymous") commentators prefer to tear down. You are insulting all of those who have been nominated by doing so. Between the radio stations now playing local music (look at the radio DJ nominees), The Virginian-Pilot and Port Folio Weekly, local bands have never been given this amount of exposure. NEVER EVER.
On another note, I have not voted yet. I'm still pondering which person the pick in several categories. The choices are difficult because so many are deserving and have written some pretty good tunes. I went to Julie Clark's sold-out concert at The Naro last month. wow. But can I chose her over talent like The Fuzz Band, BJ Leiderman and Days Difference in the best song category? Tough call. For those bands I didn't know, I simply did a Google search and had fun listening to their music on their Myspace page. I spent a good four hours last night having fun by discover local music online. Thanks you Port Folio for putting me on that personal search.
Friday, January 09, 2009 9:16:24 PM by Anonymous
You need to hear Sekshun.8.s new album "Black Wing ButterFly" Its Rockin Roll at its best Flawless ablum its a must for you to hear. These guys are bringing back what rockin Roll is about. And there live shows are amazing thay entertain you from start to finish. These guys are your next rock group thats going some where like it or not you have to respect it. And if you dont believe me go to there myspace and check out there music. www.myspace.com/sekshun
Friday, January 09, 2009 9:01:27 PM by Anonymous
What a small world the PortFolio staff must inhabit. A visit to First Night in Williamsburg would be a startling experience for them. Of course, who am I to toss brickbats the rag is free, the staff poorly paid, and it is, after all, a tabloid, for god's sake!
Even so, they could make a better effort to reach a wider audience if they spent less time talking to themselves.
Friday, January 09, 2009 4:46:51 PM by O-Bob
Where's the Bluegrass around here?
Friday, January 09, 2009 2:48:12 PM by Anonymous
The band's that are doing something are touring outside hampton Roads, the band's that are not doing anything are the bands in this list
Friday, January 09, 2009 2:01:04 PM by Anonymous
what a joke .. this is just another "battle of the fans" gimmick to make people think portfolio cares about the so called music scene. they are hoping bands will get pepole to log onto their website. (look it brought me here) too many good bands are missing on this list and ... if portfolio really cares about finding who is the best at something, then why can't I listen to all registered bands in the area and make a decision based on that. this list they put together seems a bit biased.
Thursday, January 08, 2009 7:26:41 AM by Anonymous
CHEK and the FAMILY!!!!! hhoooorrrraaaayyy!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:09:40 PM by Anonymous
VOTE FOR Shelley Ashburn !!!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:35:32 PM by Anonymous
It's irritating that people want to cry about any contest that gives some kudos to bands in Tidewater. While I agree with some of the comments made, I remember when there wasn't any local music awards show for this area. There are lots of places that wish there was something like this in their town. There will always be some type of difference of opinion in these types of things. From the Grammys all the way to small time presentations like this. Just be glad it's here.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:28:09 PM by Anonymous
how come none of the cover bands from that big old local showcase reunion celebration of we never went anywhere or made our mark outside of tidewater are listed anywhere? hmmm. as always, the publications in this town still have their fingers on the pulse of the music scene. and that music scene is up their own asses apparently. get a clue, step away from your pc and go pay a cover charge. yes, thats right. go to a show and maybe just maybe you'll be just knowledgeable to come up with a list of bands and entertainers that people that actually go to shows would vote for. after all, its is your job, not mine nor any other readers job to tell you about the "scene" and whats going on in this GODforsaken one way in/one way out metropolis.-rob
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:56:52 PM by Anonymous
so glad port folio is supporting the hampton roads music scene. thank you for helping the scene to make a come back!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:42:56 PM by Anonymous
Perhaps the bands complaining the most should get off their butts and promote themselves more. My guess is that if they sent Port Folio a schedule of their gigs on a regular basis and mailed them a CD they would have gotten noticed. Ever heard of promoting yourselves? Just checking.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 2:21:16 PM by Anonymous
Battle of the bands, and musical contest have nothing to do with how good or original a band is. Portfolio should get the pat on the back for trying to bring local music into a broader spotlight, BUT...They should tip their hat to ALL original local bands that put out their own music. WHO picked the list of local acts to be in this contest? No doubt some very good bands listed. But plenty of other all original bands left out of the mix. One criteria for a band chosen would be to have an albums worth of original songs. Good luck with your contest, and may the acts with access to the most email accounts win :(
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:36:26 PM by Anonymous
CHEK AND THE FAM BAM!!! VOTE FOR EM!! HOTTEST ON THE STREETS RIGHT NOW!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 12:31:53 PM by Anonymous
Theres a band called Nation on the scene now, they should be in your Rock section-check them out
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:34:11 AM by Anonymous
THE REASON HAMPTON ROADS DOES NOT HAVE A SCENE!!!!! IS BECAUSE THERE ARE A BUNCH OF HALF BAKED COVER BANDS!!! WHO HAVE KNOW IDEA WHAT GOOD MUSIC IS!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:26:35 AM by Anonymous
there are many great live performance artists/bands that haven't even been mentioned... I frequent more local shows/concerts than the entire staff of Portfolio put together.... doesn't matter what genre! You missed the point entirely by skipping over great bands like Jackmove, Seed Is, Stuck Backwards, Hobgoblin, Download, etc... These are shows that move people, make people think, make peole laugh... that's what live performance is all about. The staff at Portfolio clearly doesn't get out much. Get a true grasp on the local music scene and have your readers nominate your nominees! Portfolio does nothing to support local music like it should... there's a reason why the scene here is hurting... It should be thriving if more people went out to support it.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 8:58:56 AM by Anonymous
A SCENE IN HAMPTON ROADS?????????? COME ON!!!!!!! There hasn't been a half baked scene here since late 70's or the early 80's!!!!!!!! Nothing ever sticks here!!!!!!! What good bands who do live here refuse to play here!Or they move away to a city that has a scene!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 8:47:39 AM by Anonymous
THERE ARE KNOW GARAGE BANDS IN YOUR GARAGE/PUNK SECTION? DON'T GET ME WRONG THE SUPER VACATIONS ARE A GREAT 10 PIECE AND MAS Y MAS ARE A BORDER LINE POST PUNK NEW WAVE SOUND! BUT THE OTHER BANDS NEED TO GO IN YOU ROCK SECTION! THE LAST GOOD GARAGE BAND TO COME OUT OF THIS AREA WERE THE M80'S!!!!!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:21:16 PM by Doad
Lotsa talent named here for sure. I wish I'd seen even half of these bands and persons last year! Hope I can stay healthy this year!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:56:49 PM by Anonymous
chek and the family! wha wha!!!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:27:07 PM by Anonymous
hey "kelly miltier"-in case you haven't noticed, IT'S PORTFOLIOS JOB TO DO THIS, AND THEY STINK AT IT! But, we're all looking forward to your next column. "a house divided?" indeed.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:26:02 PM by Anonymous
Wheres TRUCK????????????
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:19:39 PM by Kelly Miltier
maybe you gripers and haters and jealous types should channel that energy into into helping Port Folio become something more to your liking . . . with the skeleton crew they have, it must really be hard to keep their fingers on the pulse of the genres, sub genres etc of music that you all keep pigeonholing yourselves into and then for them to spit it out on a weekly basis . . . what happened to the basics? jazz, blues, soul, pop, R&R, etc? . . . no, it all had to splinter into this ilk we now have to wade through and who this day and age has the time for that? If you don't think Port Folio knows what they're doing, that you're more informed, do something about it . . . pick up a pen or hit the qwerty board and offer your help by writing, maybe start a column, whatever . . . just quit all the bitching . . . no wonder there's no scene - it's a buncha bickering pompous 'scenes' floundering about with zip direction . . . expand your ears and remember a house divided will fall.
'A man that's good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else.' - Ben Franklin
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 8:59:36 PM by Anonymous
myspace.com/chekandthefamily757
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 6:47:27 PM by Anonymous
what is portfolio? oh yeah, EXACTLY
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 6:46:04 PM by Anonymous
uh haven't you heard of Mojave Heat Bomb? must have missed Portfolio in sell out school.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 5:37:09 PM by Anonymous
CHEK AND THE FAMILY! YEY!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:54:23 PM by Anonymous
Sekshun 8 rules! At least their frontman can sing.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:00:00 PM by Anonymous
lest I forget-sekshun 8 are POP>
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 3:58:42 PM by Anonymous
you guys are seriously out of touch with the metal scene. revery are part timers, epoxy are part timers, at wars too snobish to even play with the locals. 710oil are POP. Vote for Download or Construkt. Real Metal Bands.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 2:32:25 PM by Anonymous
this just shows you how clueless Portfolio really is about the local music scene. Thanks for validating this guys... kudos!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 1:06:38 PM by Anonymous
www.myspace.com/chromaticcrescendo
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 1:05:25 PM by Anonymous
yay for chromatic crescendo
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:02:17 PM by Anonymous
yea JoAnna and Revery! By the way 710 OIL is not the same as last years nominees incase anybody did by chance want to vote for them for some insane reason. They lost their talent about 2 months ago
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 1:23:34 AM by Anonymous
Yay 4 The Influence and JoAnna Lynne!
Monday, January 05, 2009 11:39:27 PM by Chek
Hi, Chek and Friends is actually called Chek and the Family. Thank you for the nomination.
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