More than 100 sweaty young adults piled into Bitoz Café & Pizzeria on Jan. 21 for the first Alaska Scene Honors Yearly award presentation. A sea of local music fans emitted the strong scent of body odor. They were there to rock out to some of the most popular underground artists in Anchorage.
The acts performing were all final contenders in a competition, based on popular vote. For the last month, fans narrowed the field down to two finalists in each category by submitting more than 1000 ballots.
Gold, engraved plates, nicknamed ASHYs, were given for solo, drummer, bassist, guitarist, vocalist, lyricist and band of the Year for 2004. Art and Music Director Philip Stephens said the awards are an chance to celebrate artists for something that doesn't always get positive recognition.
"Everyone's been flossing their ASHYs so far. It's a neat thing to have, you know, it's gold, it's shiny, everyone's down," Stephens said.
Sarah Jo Wells, one of the finalists in the solo artists category said it's about more than winning a shiny award.
"You get to hang out with...colleagues, I guess, because on a level they are your colleagues. Having the ballot form makes you realize that 'Hey, people are really listening' and it's kind of nice," Wells said.
Host for the night, Kima Hamilton, was enthusiastic about the future of the ASHYs. He said he took a lot of pride in giving out the awards and hopes they will be given out annually.
"These are people who are artists in their own right," Hamilton said. "This night legitimizes them and all of their creative energies that they've shared with us throughout the year and I don't know, I dig it."
Solo Artist of the Year - Emily Tornfelt
Drummer of the Year -Kael Garman of Spitshine
Bassist of the Year -Matt Craver of Strept
Guitarist of the Year -Johnny Fine$-Double Fine$
Vocalist of the Year -Boobs of Double Fine$
Lyricist of the Year -SpitShawn of Spitshine
Band of the Year - Spitshine
Alaska Scene Honors Awards
