The 2011 Madison Area Music Awards, held at Overture Center's Capitol Theater Saturday night, reflected the eclectic nature of Madison's music scene. The ceremony included performances and pageantry from across genres. True to form in its eighth year, the show focused on live performances by nominated artists, video montages and speeches with heartfelt reminders of the MAMAs' driving purpose, fundraising for music education.
Performers included jazz siren Gerri DiMaggio, faith-based singer Anthony Lamarr, the Rowdy Prairie Dogs, hip-hop phenoms Star Persons, Sexy Ester and the Pretty Mama Sisters, Kati May, the Boys and Girls Club Black Star Drum Line, campy metalheads Lords of the Trident and the MAMAs All-Star Guitar Band featuring John Masino, Aaron Williams and Joel Pingitore.
Outstanding moments of the show included a beautiful piano concerto performed by Ariela Bohrod, the Student of the Year award winner, an a cappella rendition of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" by all-female youth vocal ensemble Midnight Voices, and a stunning Mozart performance by the storied Pro Arte Quartet, who received the MAMAs' Michael St. John Lifetime Achievement Award. Two moving tributes in memory of Madison musician Mark Fredrick and avant cellist Steve Pingry brought a somber, nostalgic note to the ceremony.
MAMAs staple Beth Kille was named 2011 Artist of the Year, in addition to her awards for Rock Album and Rock Song of the Year. New Artist of the Year, Star Persons, also walked away with Album, Song, and Performer of the Year awards in the Hip Hop category. Other big winners were Sexy Ester and the Pretty Mama Sisters, who took home awards for Alternative Album, Song, and Performer of the Year, as well as lead singer Lyndsay Evans' award for best female vocalist. The Lucas Cates Band also fared well, with the band or its individual members winning a total of six awards. Isthmus received a People's Choice Award MAMA for Music Publication/Blog.
For a complete list of MAMA winners, see the Related Articles section at right.