SCHENECTADY — Winners in 38 categories were announced on sunday, April 14, at the Inaugural Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards at Proctors.
“This is a great night for music,” said Proctors Collaborative CEO Philip Morris, “and a great night for us. I’m so proud to see the Capital Region celebrating itself and the great artists, technicians, promoters and chroniclers that make up our grand music scene.”
Hosted by comedian/musician Erin Harkes, and featuring performances by Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra, Bear Grass, Johnny 2 Phones, New York Players, Wyld Blu and Rich Ortiz, the event also featured video tributes to Greg Haymes and Caroline MotherJudge Isachsen, and Eddies Hall of Fame inductees Kevin McKrell and Ruth Pelham. Presenters at the fully-produced show—sponsored by The Collaborative magazine and Capital Records Live!—represented a wide range of Capital Region music industry luminaries.
Eddies co-founders Jim Murphy and Sal Prizio presented, respectively, awards for Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
Murphy, Proctors Collaborative marketing and corporate development director, said, “The goal of The Eddies is to truly a shine a light on regional talent and I feel like we did that tonight. We look forward to the collaborations, connections and amazing musical happenings that we hope will be encouraged by the Eddies.”
Prizio, program coordinator at Proctors Collaborative, agreed. “Musicians rarely get to see each other because they are off with their own gigs and projects. The camaraderie and sense of community tonight, before and during the event, was electric. We believe the Eddies will have a long-term positive effect.”
2019 Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards winners
Solo Artist of the Year
Girl Blue
Solo or Duo Performer of the Year (Covers Category)
Rich Ortiz
Alt/Indie Artist of the Year
The Sea The Sea
Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year (tie)
Johnny 2 Phones
KATANI
Party Cover Band of the Year
Garland Nelson and Soul Session
Jazz Artist of the Year
Brian Patneaude Quartet
DJ of the Year
DJ Trumastr
Country/Bluegrass Artist of the Year
The Gibson Brothers
Americana Artist of the Year
The North + South Dakotas
Rock/Pop Artist of the Year
Wild Adriatic
Punk/Metal/Hard Rock Artist of the Year
Candy Ambulance
Jam Band of the Year
Let’s Be Leonard
Blues Artist of the Year
Alana Wyld/Wyld Blu
R+B/Soul Artist of the Year
Garland Nelson
Electronica Artist of the Year
Sara Ayers
International/World Music Artist of the Year
Alex Torres + His Latin Orchestra
Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year
Albany Symphony Orchestra
Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year
The McKrells
Music Video of the Year
Girl Blue—Dreams
Album of the Year (tie)
Elrod + MotherJudge—Cold Warrior
Wild Adriatic—Feel
Record of the Year
Girl Blue—Lolita
Outward Bound Artist of the Year
Phantogram
Promoter or Presenter of the Year
Mona Golub (Music Haven Concert Series)
Radio DJ of the Year
Chris Wienk WEXT
Concert Series of the Year
Music Haven Concert Series
Live Production Crew of the Year
High Peaks Sound
Arts Publication of the Year
nippertown.com
Music Journalist of the Year
Michael Hochanadel
Best Venue Small (up to 350 people)
Caffé Lena
Best Venue Medium (350-999 people)
The Egg
Best Venue Large (1,000 people and up)
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Best Live Festival Large Format
Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music & Dance
Best Live Festival Small Format
GottaGetGon Folk Festival
Photographer of the year (tie)
Andre Pilarczyk
Kiki Vassilakis
People’s Choice Awards in three categories:
Local Music Artist of the Year
PJ Duo
Local Music Venue of the Year
Caffè Lena
Local Music Concert of the Year
Sawyer Fredericks
Caffè Lena
May 25-27, 2018
Capital Region Music Hall of Fame Winners:
Artist Lifetime Achievement
Kevin McKrell
Arts Educator or Contributions to the Area Music Scene
Ruth Pelham
