The Syracuse Area Music Awards has unveiled the list of nominees for the 2018 SAMMY’s. A competitive field of talented artists representing 14 music genres had judges making difficult decisions. In less than a month, area musicians will be awarded for their local music contributions for the albums they produced in 2017. E.S.P., Harmonic Dirt and Phantom Chemistry are some of the cool names on the nominees list. Local Syracuse Radio DJ Dixon shared the nominees for the Best Jazz category.
“For best Jazz: Peter Allen Alt Jazz, ‘It Was Just About that Time,’ Tim Herron, ‘Thinquisition,’ Robert Holz, ‘Visions: Coast to Coast Connection,’ and E.S.P., ‘Zero Gravity.’”
The caliber of the talent ranging from established professionals to newer artists is reassuring for the SAMMY’s Liz Nowak. She thinks it speaks to the longevity of the Syracuse music scene.
“Sixty Syracuse area bands and artists were nominated. It’s really exciting. And what’s even more exciting is that they were in 14 categories. So it kinda shows you the depth of different styles in types of music. We are so excited.”
The night before the awards show, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at the Dinosaur Barbecue on March 1st at 7 P.M. Early 70’s rock band “Dove” is one of four recipients to be inducted. The band featured Howie Bartolo, Dave Hanlon, Larry Serafini and the late Larry Arlotta. The Music Educator of the Year Award will be presented to Monk Rowe, the Director of the Fillius Jazz Archive at Hamilton College. The SAMMY’s Nowak says the People’s choice Awards are now underway.
“We’re in round five right now and we have counted 61,500 votes.”
The award ceremony is set for Friday, March 2nd at 7 P.M. at the Palace. Click below to listen to the SAMMY's press conference with the full list of nominations for all 14 categories. Or for an itemized list of nominees and Hall of Fame inductees and the People's Choice Awards click here.
