The most popular acts on the jamband live music scene and an eclectic line-up of bands from a diverse spectrum of musical genres will perform in one-time-only pairings at the 2002 Jammy Awards Presented by TDK on Wednesday at the Roseland Ballroom in Manh
This year’s spectacular line-up includes: the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir and Ratdog, Phish bassist Mike Gordon and guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke performing together, The Allman Brothers’ Warren Haynes with his band Gov’t Mule, Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson of new wave favorites the B-52s, and the Tom Tom Club featuring former Talking Heads members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz.
In addition, Bob Weir will accept the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Grateful Dead. The Jammys, which have become known for its unique pairing of musicians, will also feature the world beat band Rusted Root, hard-touring moe., the Dirty Dozen Brass Band from New Orleans, gospel legends The Blind Boys of Alabama, the funky electronica band Particle, and pedal steel guitar prodigy Robert Randolph & The Family Band.
Since debuting in 2000, the Jammys has gone on to become the premiere grassroots music event in the country, honoring musicians who focus their art on spontaneous composition. The Jammys will be presented to winners in nine categories: Studio Album of the Year; Live Release of the Year; Live Performance of the Year; Tour of the Year; Song of the Year; New Groove Award; Fan Web Site of the Year; the Mimi Fishman Community Service Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“The Jammys are about celebrating the magic of live music,” said Shapiro, executive producer of the Jammys since its inception. “The bands nominated may not have many Top 40 hits or music videos running on MTV, however, they fill concert venues around the country, playing to a growing number of music fans who want more than a four minute single.”
“With Bob Weir and Ratdog performing and accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Grateful Dead, this year’s event will be the most spectacular yet,” added Steve Bernstein, president and publisher of Relix magazine and the Web site Jambands.com. “The Jammys will reflect the artistry of one of America’s most vibrant music communities, dominated by youthful listeners (18-35-year-olds) who thrive on experiencing the many new acts representing freedom of expression and inspired improvisation.”
Jammy Award winners are selected by popular vote after nomination by a panel of industry professionals. Voting — which began July 15 and ended September 25 — took place on Jammys.com, Jambands.com, Relix.com and by paper ballot in Relix magazine. More than 50,000 music lovers were expected to vote.
Tickets to the Jammys, which are $40, are on sale and can be purchased at www.jammys.com.
