Sammy Shoutout

Those who are crossing their fingers can send their albums to Syracuse Area Music Awards, c/o The Syracuse New Times, 1415 W. Genesee St., Syracuse 13204. Only albums that were originally recorded between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2007, are up for contention, although all musicians within a 60-mile radius of the city are eligible.

Albums will be accepted through Monday, March 24, so be sure to get your band’s disc in as soon as possible. Submission forms, which will be printed in forthcoming issues of The Syracuse New Times, on the New Times’ Web site, www.syracusenewtimes.com, and on the Sammys Web site, www.syracuseareamusic.com, should be included with all albums.

The Sammys will also feature a new People’s Choice voting system for 2008 on the Sammys’ Web site. Nominees will progress through three stages. During the first, voters can nod to any band or venue they choose, resulting in a large pool of potentials. Starting April 18 bands will be winnowed down by half, starting with the top 128 bands from the open vote. A final vote will be held during the week prior to the awards show, with information to be provided on the Sammys’ site about the finalists. Considering more than 10,000 votes were cast last year, you’ll certainly want to get in on the action when the voting for the People’s Choice Awards for Best Band and Best Venue starts on March 1.