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By KRYSTINA GRANDMOND
Staff Writer

While still a fairly new idea, the Niagara Music Awards has created some waves around Niagara based musicians. After just finishing its second year, it’s easy to see the buzz the event has started.

With over 200 submissions and a packed audience, Niagara Music Award creators Morgan Whelan and Jack Mitchell had their hands full. But they pulled it off, yet again, with style and grace, and just a bit of edge.

The Niagara Music Awards are hardly a one-day event. It all starts when submissions open. Niagara based bands and artists work hard to put together a package that stands out, submitting their best material to be judged by a panel of notable industry reps.

Then comes the launch party. The night that kicks it all off and starts the crazy anticipation and chatter about the events to come. Musicians and fans alike showed up to Mide Bistro on February 19th to mingle, have a few drinks, network, and listen to some great open mic performances. It was a fabulous evening that even included some draws and contests.

At that point, I couldn’t wait to check out the year’s submissions. I’m proud to say that I was a part of the NMA’s this year, volunteering at the Official Judging Party in Niagara Falls on March 22. I had a blast, getting to see all of the submitted artists and learning about so many musicians and bands that I didn’t know about in the region. It was a great eye-opener, and in the position I’m in, provided me with many new contacts that I didn’t have before.

Then the big event. The Niagara Music Awards.

Held at the Niagara Centre For The Performing Arts in Niagara Falls, Canada, people came in all styles of dress from evening ballgowns to rock ‘n roll leather & chains to the ultra casual jeans and a t-shirt. Not that it mattered, though, because when it comes to music, everything is about personal and artistic expression.

Unfortunately, I missed most of the VIP pre-party. I did get there in time to enjoy some appetizers with some friends, old and new, before heading in to find a seat for the award show itself.

Taped, and later aired, by Cogeco tv, the NMA’s is a highly publicized event in the Niagara Region. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the lights went down and the promotional video played, erupting into cheers, whistles and clapping as the hosts took the stage.

I could go on to tell you about every nominee, every award given out, acceptance speeches, performances, etc. But I’ll let the list below tell you the most important details of that.

One thing I have learned about the music industry is to never UNDERestimate the time you are going to spend at any given event. Unfortunately, I had no choice on this night.

Like a Cinderella upset to leave the ball, I just couldn’t bear to walk away. But circumstances beyond my control said it was time to go. With more awards to hand out, and more performances that I wish I could have seen, I said my farewells and headed home.

Next year will be different. Next year I’ll be ready to spend the whole night enjoying every part of what the Niagara Music Awards is!

2009 Niagara Music Award Performers

• Vicky Vlassis Radulovich
• The Groove Associates
• Oracle
• Crooked Trail Band
• MDM
• Niagara Rhythm Section
• Angela Siracusa
• Guv’Nor Generals
• The Street Pharmacy
• Wainwright
• The Broken Lyre
• Townline
• Hailey Payne
• Pink Floyd Niagara
• Sukkapunch

Rock Group of the Year
The Guv’nor Generals

Punk Rock Group of the Year
Rumble Devils

Heavy Metal Group of the Year
MDM

Best Bar Band
Oracle

Tribute Group of the Year
Pink Floyd Niagara

Country Group of the Year
Mike Lynch

Original Song of the Year
Carly Manley “Gonna Get Through”

Original Group of the Year
The Waxbills

Music Video of the Year
Street Pharmacy “Welcome 2 Tha Street Pharmacy”

Album of the Year
The Waxbills

Niagara Promoter of the Year
Steve Stumble

Female Vocalist of the Year
Serena Prine from Townline

Male Vocalist of the Year
Tim Hicks

Songwriter of the Year
Ariana Gillis

Rising Star Award
Hailey Payne

Children’s Group of the Year
The Smudge Fundaes

Theatrical Performance of the Year
The Mantini Sisters

Blues Group of the Year
Niagara Rhythm Section

Jazz Group of the Year
Juliet Dunn Quintet

World Group of the Year
Ohnia:kara Singers

Instrumental of the Year
Nathan Chamberland

Recording Engineer of the Year
Michael Saracino and Ethan Rising

Hip Hop Group of the Year
Femapco

People’s Choice Award
Street Pharmacy

Supporting Niagara Venue
The Mansion House

Niagara Entertainer
Street Pharmacy

Group of the Year
The Black Flies

Special Achievement Award
Walter Ostanek

You can view the entire list of 2009 Nominees here.