Ramping up to the 35th Annual San Diego Music Awards (SDMA) on April 29, there will be a series of 5 multi-artist showcase concerts around the county, giving the area’s music fans an opportunity to hear a great cross section of the artists nominated this year, with proceeds going to the San Diego Music Foundation.
This year’s showcase venues include The Casbah, The Belly Up Tavern, The Bornemann Theater, Humphrey’s Backstage Live, and The Kensington Club, with events running from March 26 to April 26.
The SDMA’s will take place on April 29 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. Open to the public, awards will be handed out in 28 categories, plus a Lifetime Award, which this year goes to legendary bassist Nathan East. The former Crawford High student has recorded and performed with a long list of music legends including Barry White, Eric Clapton and George Harrison. He’s also played on dozens of hits, such as Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky,” Kenny Loggins “Footloose” and Micheal Jackson’s “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” as well as co-writing such classic tunes as “Easy Lover” (#2,1984), a hit for Phil Collins and Phillip Bailey. Meanwhile, artists set to perform live at the event on April 29 include MohaviSoul, Euphoria Brass Band, Matthew Phillips, Almost Monday, The Tourmaliners, and miniaturized.
How does it feel to be an SDMA nominee? “It feels great, but I was taken by surprise,” said Ron Houston (Best Country or Americana Album for “Real Outlaw Americans Music”), who performs at Showcase #5 / The Bornemann Theater on April 26 with his band, The Berry Pickers. “I didn’t expect it. But to be noticed by your peers is an amazing feeling.”
Guitarist B Reilly of The Film Company, who will take the stage at Showcase #2 / The Casbah on April 13, concurs. “We are actually really surprised!” he said, of the bands two nominations, for Best New Artist, as well as Best Indie/Alternative Album, for “We Were Promised Rockets.” “There’s a huge amount of good bands in town,” he said. “Some who’ve been putting in years and years. But it’s awesome to be nominated. We really enjoyed making our record and it’s great that people are enjoying it.” Why does he feel events like the SDMA’s are significant? According to Reilly, “it’s all about community. Which has only gotten more important in the last few years,” he said. “The scene feels much more together lately. Years ago, it was more of a contest. Now I feel like it’s more of a yearly gathering between friends, artists and fellow musicians.”
Houston notes that scene camaraderie is a part of the draw for both San Diego Music Awards and these showcases. “I think it’s important to acknowledge the amazing musical talent that San Diego has to offer,” he said. “I’m looking forward to sharing a great night at a great event with all my musical friends and peers.”
Showcase # 1
March 26 / The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach (7 p.m.): Featuring Kimmi Bitter, Brothers Burns, Jesse Ray Smith, Matthew Phillips, Safety Orange, plus the Croom Brothers (Daring Greatly)
Showcase #2
April 13 / The Casbah, Little Italy (1 p.m.): Featuring Mistress 77, Morskie Oko, The Desponders, and The Film Company
Showcase # 3
April 18 / The Kensington Club, Kensington (7 p.m.): Featuring Sara Petite, Ashley E. Norton, Chloe Lou, Lissa Dee, Craig Fisher (Farm Truck), Eric Olson (Westwinders), Elizabeth Bowersox, plus guests Shawn Rohlf and Jonny Wagon
Showcase # 4
April 23 / Humphreys Backstage, Shelter Island (6 p.m.): Featuring The Mercedes Moore Band, Chickenbone Slim & the Biscuits, Zavala Sol, The Tradition and special guests TBA
Showcase # 5
April 26 / The Bornemann Theater, San Marcos – April 26 (5 p.m.): Featuring Zavala Sol, The David Spitzfaden Trio, Nathan & Jessie, Cheyenne Benton, Farm Truck, Ron Houston & The Berry Pickers
