Palestine Herald Press
1-11-08

Palestine to host TMA Awards

By CHERIL VERNON
The Palestine Herald
 

PALESTINE — The Academy of Texas Music has selected the Palestine Civic Center as the location of the Sixth Annual Texas Music Awards to be held May 3.

The prestigious awards show, presented this year by Northeast Texas-based MyTexasMusic.com, the retail partner of the show’s production company Payline Productions, who presents awards to independent Texas performers in several categories.

The annual event also serves as a fund-raiser for the non-profit Academy which seeks sponsorships and donations to further its efforts toward music education programs, scholarships, recognition projects and benevolence programs for musicians in need.

Other Texas cities were in the running to host the show including Houston, Texarkana, Longview, Dallas and Linden, which hosted the 2006 and 2007 events. Jinelle and Lucky Boyd, co-founders of the Academy, expressed excitement with the prospect of locating the 2008 show in Palestine.

“The citizens of Palestine are known for their outstanding support of events like the Texas Music Awards, so we decided to make this the site of the TMA’s this year,” said Lucky Boyd. “It is that level of enthusiasm and dedication that will make this the best show ever.”

The Academy of Texas Music has selected the Palestine Civic Center as the location of the Sixth Annual Texas Music Awards to be held May 3. Jinelle and Lucky Boyd, co-founders of the Academy, presented a certificate to Palestine Thursday naming Palestine as its 2008 venue. From left are Dan Manuel, chairman of the Palestine Arts Advisory Board, City of Palestine Event Coordinator Heather Hrebec, Palestine Mayor Carolyn Salter, Jinelle Boyd, Palestine Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Susan Cottle-Leonard and Lucky Boyd.
CHERIL VERNON/The Palestine Herald
Jinelle Boyd added that the show is still in negotiations with several celebrities as emcee of the event and that no agreements had been reached.

“As soon as we have a name on the dotted line, we’ll tell the world,” she said.

According to Palestine Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Susan Cottle-Leonard, said the event will help tourism in Palestine.

“These types of events are so good for bringing visitors to this community,” she said.

With the Palestine Civic Center able to seat 1,300 attendees, the organizer say they expect to fill all of the seats.

“I venture to say that this will be the first trip to Palestine, Texas for 600 to 700 of those attending,” Lucky Boyd said.

Because the venues where the awards ceremony was held the last two years was smaller, Boyd said it was standing room only for the award nominees, performers and their families with little room for music fans.

“The size of the Palestine Civic Center will allow more Texas music fans to attend, allowing them to connect with the artists on a more personal level,” Lucky Boyd said.

The show is facilitated with a strong group of volunteers.

“The attention given by the volunteers is what really makes the event special,” Lucky Boyd said. “Nominees are treated like superstars during the event whether they are already known celebrities or virtually unknown performs.

“We couldn’t do this without our fantastic volunteers.”

Nominees, presenters and other celebrities arrive in limousines to a red-carpet entrance, complete with an announcer and plenty of camera flash.

“It’s spine-tingling, over-the-top event, and is not to be missed,” Lucky Boyd said.

With ceremonious ado, the Texas Music Awards show gives music fans an opportunity to see performances by many of the nominees.

Anticipation rises as the nominees are announced to a fanfare of their award-worthy music while graphics and photographs are displayed on large projection screens.

Awards are presented for Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Duo or Group, Rising Star, Record Song, Album, Singer/Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Broadcast Radio Station, Internet Radio Station and Disc Jockey of the Year.

The Academy of Texas Music Inc. sanctions musical award events based on the fairness of the process, eligibility requirements and commitment to the advancement of Texas performers. The TMA’s are the only awards currently sanctioned by the Academy.

Nominees for the awards are open from Jan. 1 to Jan. 18. The public can make their suggestions for nominations online by visiting www.texasmusicawards.org.

On Feb. 1, the five nominees in each category will be announced and fans can return to the TMA Web site to vote for their favorite nominee.

The Academy of Texas Music Inc. Voting Board is comprised of past award recipients and accounts for about 70 percent of the total votes tabulated. The remaining votes are received from the public voting process and from Academy members.

Among other musicians, Doug Moreland is scheduled to perform. Moreland is from the Austin area and is the 2007 Entertainer of the Year.

For many, the Texas music scene is different from any other.

“The music crosses so many genres from folk, rock, jazz, country, swing, blues, you name it. That’s what makes Texas different,” Lucky Boyd said. “The artists draw from their influences and that comes through their music. It’s attitude and pride — a whole new mindset.”

For many performers, the Texas Music Awards is a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

“Many of the recipients have gone on to great careers,” Lucky Boyd said. “Some of the performers may be known only regionally or on a statewide level at this point, but the awards show can help kick the performer to the next level and give their career the notoriety that will take them further.”

More information about the show, past recipients, photos, tickets, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained at www.texasmusicawards.org