Jun 29, 2010

Flagpole Athens Music Awards Recap

A Night Fit for a King… and Carnies

What a weird, wonderful night. When we asked Mr. Blank's Carnivale of Black Hearts to be our stagehands and opening act, I expected to see some freaky things—like a guy hammering a huge nail up his nose—but nothing can really prepare you for a dude on stilts wearing a garter belt and pulling glitter out of his banana hammock… glitter that many a barefooted band would be sliding in the rest of the night. Only at the Flagpole Awards, folks!

"Over-the-top" was the running theme of the evening, and all of the performing artists pulled out all the stops. Elite tha Showstoppa was rolled out in a wheelchair by a "nurse"—a nod to his heart attack recovery last year—and then he jumped up, threw off his hospital gown, and brought the house down. His energy was matched by a whole dance crew, and special guests Timi Conley and Clay Leverett surprised everyone by spitting out some rhymes with him. Los Meesfits amped up their show with salsa dancers, and A PostWar Drama recruited the carnies to juggle, bellydance and hula hoop behind them. It was a wonderfully chaotic spectacle that perfectly complimented PostWar's most guttural, reckless, Old World-style number. Best Experimental Band award winners Circulatory System actually wowed the crowd by paring things down, performing a beautiful, trippy tune as a four-piece.

And show closers Reptar, who had a pinch keyboardist in for William Kennedy, proved worthy of winning both Best Upstart and Best Live Band with an angular, energetic set that called to mind both Vampire Weekend and Talking Heads.

But what everyone left the show buzzing about were our young stars: Athens. With members ranging from 11–15, these kids put a smile on everyone's face with their raw talent. While blazing through a cover of "Fly Me Courageous," pint-sized guitarist Beau "Monkey" Anderson twirled in circles and slid across the stage in his socks. It was enough to melt the most jaded heart. The boys returned to the stage to praise the work done by Camp Amped during the special award dedication, and I couldn't imagine a better endorsement.

Unfortunately, one serious moment of our show was slightly derailed by a surprise intruder wearing a crown and stuffed animal backpack. Presenter Carl Lindberg made a noble attempt to continue his praise for the AthFest educational programs while "The King" stood uncomfortably close to him, holding what looked like a ladle with a googly eye up in the air and gazing off into the distance. Once the King walked up to a mic and started muttering about seeing Jesus in a pumpkin seed… we had to send security onstage to have him removed. I guess it was due time the Flagpole Awards got its own "Soy Bomb."

Luckily the laughs weren't all unintentional. Comedians TJ Young and Chris Patton proved to be more than capable emcees, and they kept the night running smoothly. Their "Athens Music History Walk Tour"' video was a particular highlight, and we'll be sure to post it on www.flagpole.com for those who missed it. Presenters for the evening included musicians and industry folks from all facets of the scene, including Tasty World Uptown owner Murphy Wolford who read a poem in tribute to those who have passed away this year. It was a chance for us to say goodbye to Tasty World as well, as the venue shut its doors after AthFest. Also saying farewell was presenter and award winner Allison Weiss, who will be leaving Athens at the end of the summer.

The big winners for the night were The Whigs, who were voted Best Rock Band and Performer of the Year. Unfortunately, the group was out taking over the world and could not be present to collect their awards.

All the winners are posted below. For our complete AthFest photo album and live reviews, visit www.flagpole.com. In the meantime, keep rocking, and maybe we'll see you onstage next year!

Michelle Gilzenrat