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Syracuse Area Music Awards (Sammys) is under way. The ceremony honors
local musicians for the albums they recorded during the previous year
in addition to inducting members into the prestigious Sammys Hall of
Fame. The gala, which marks a return to the Taste of Syracuse
festivities, will take place on Friday, June 5, just outside of Clinton
Square; live bands take the Sammys stage from noon to 6 p.m., followed
by the awards from 6 to 8 p.m.
Submissions for the Sammys will be
accepted from Wednesday, Feb. 25, to Wednesday, March 25. Official
entry forms, which must be included with all albums, will be printed in
the Syracuse News Times during the coming weeks (see page 5 in this week’s issue.)
Only albums released from Jan. 1 through
Dec. 31, 2008, will be considered for awards in these categories:
alternative new rock or metal; blues; country; Americana; hip-hop or
rap; jazz; pop; rock; rhythm’n’blues; and other styles. The Sammys’
judging committee will consist of members selected by Andrew Russo,
artist-in-residence at Le Moyne College.
Stayed tuned to future editions of the Syracuse New Times
for announcements regarding nominees, as well as the forthcoming,
official lineup that will perform at this year’s event. For more
information, visit the Sammys’ Web site, www.syracuseareamusic.com, or
call 422-7011, Ext. 128, and ask for Papa Oooh-Mumau.
