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LINDEN, TX –
Austin-based performer Shake Russell was named Entertainer of the Year at the
9th annual Texas Music AwardsTM
on July 9th at the newly renovated Academy of Texas Music building in
Linden, but not without a twist.
Just prior to the second of three scheduled show segments, the electrical
transformer powering the building failed, leaving several buildings in the
area without power. The crew of volunteers running the show sprang
into action, building a make-shift stage outside in the shadow of the
building, allowing the show to continue.
Boards were put down in the grass, covered with carpet remnants, and a
pick-up truck was backed in to act as a drum riser. In less than an
hour, the show had been transformed from the elegantly decorated, high-tech
auditorium to a sea of folding chairs under a group of half-century old
Northeast Texas pine trees.
The first segment of the show went off without a hitch inside the building,
including video, graphics, an excellent sound system, great stage lighting,
and magnificent performances by five of the nominees. Several awards
were presented in the first segment, including the Musical Honors Memorial
Award, which followed a tear-inducing video featuring Troy Allan, an Academy
member who passed away last October. His mother was there to accept
the award.
Once the blackout occurred, fans, volunteers, and nominees all grabbed chairs
and headed outside in the 100 degree heat to see the rest of the show.
No one seemed to mind, however, as eleven more performances entertained the
crowd and a dozen more awards were presented.
A memorable point of the show came when Freddy Powers was given the Lifetime
Achievement Awards. Powers was on a one-day unscheduled pass from his
hospital room in Dallas to attend the Texas Music Awards in support of his
good friend and nominee, Bo Porter. Powers, who is in the advanced
stages of Parkinson's disease, was surprised by the announcement of his
award. His tearful acceptance speech was considered by many to be a
truly treasured moment of Texas music history.
Folk singer and songwriter Tim Henderson, who spent many years performing
with Peter Yarrow and Allen Damron, was also awarded the Lifetime
Achievement Award. An emotional meeting of Henderson and Powers on
stage was a highlight of the day, as these two old friends had not seen each
other in many years.
Both Powers and Henderson will be enshrined with exhibits in the music
museum which will be housed in a portion of the Academy building at 301 E.
Houston in Linden.
Jinelle Boyd, one of the producers of the show, remarked on its success,
"Our outstanding volunteers have always been quick to adapt to any
situation. This was their biggest challenge thus far, but they acted
perfectly, giving Texas music fans and nominees the day they deserved.
In true improvisational Texas spirit, what could have been a disaster of
epic proportions turned out to be a magical day that will go down in
history."
Bill Smith, one of the production assistants, added, "It was a special
moment when we announced that the show would continue outside.
Everybody just grabbed a chair and headed out. Not one person
complained. It was truly magical."
For more information on the awards, visit www.texasmusicawards.org
A list of the 2011 award recipients appears below:
Musical Honors Memorial Award
Troy Allan
1967 - 2010
Producer
Billy Jo High for SMOKING BARREL (Charlie Hager & The Captain Legendary
Band)
Vocal Duo or Group
2-Bit Palomino (Houston, TX) 2-BIT PALOMINO
Musician
Chris Gage - multiple instruments on GYPSY ALIBI (Bob Livingston)
Record
“Love Don't Live Round Here Anymore” – Jeremiah Houston Band (Austin, TX)
Song
“The Whiskey” - Leon Waddy, songwriter (San Antonio, TX) Poor J. Brown
Female Vocalist
Christen Sawyer (Sugar Land, TX) PICTURE UN-PERFECT (Christen Sawyer)
Male Vocalist
David Fenley (Fredericksburg, TX) HILL COUNTRY SOUL (Poor J. Brown)
Album
GYPSY ALIBI – Bob Livingston (Austin, TX)
Entertainer
Shake Russell (Austin, TX)
Singer/Songwriter
Bob Cheevers (Austin, TX)
Rising Star
Backseat Molly (Palestine, TX)
Live Band
Push Water Band (Jewett, TX)
Disc Jockey
Brett Dillon – KHYI – Dallas, TX
Broadcast Radio
Station
KHYI – 95.3 FM – Dallas, TX
Internet Radio
Station
Radio Free Texas www.radiofreetexas.org (Nederland, TX)
Carl T. Sprague Award
LONE COWBOY - Michael Martin Murphey (Dallas, TX)
Academy Award of
Distinction
SINGER IN A ROADHOUSE BAND - Mandy Mercier (Austin, TX)
Artistic Excellence Award
DOGGONDEST FEELIN' - Jeremy Parsons (San Antonio, TX)
Historical Significance Award
SINCE I SAW YOU LAST - Steve Howell (Marshall, TX)
Musical Event of the Year
SHOULDER TO THE STONE - The Haiti Project
Gone To Texas Award
Preston Camp, Jr. (Atlanta, GA)
Lifetime Achievement Award #1
Tim Henderson
Lifetime Achievement Award #2
Freddy Powers
Palmwood Award
Jaye Hooper (Jefferson, TX)
MyTexan Award
Mike Blakely (Buchanan Dam, TX)
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If you would like to interview any of the
recipients or TMA staff, send your request to: info@texasmusicawards.org
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