2009 Tuney winners announced
Summer brought its last assault to Billings on Saturday, blasting 95 degree temperatures just in time for the ninth annual Billings Outpost Tuney awards.
The weather tempered, however, and a delightful September evening ensued. In what proved to be the most well-attended Tuneys yet, more than 300 people came together to celebrate local music.
The awards show, set up to resemble the Grammyās, honored musicians, bands and musical organizations selected by the community in a variety of categories. Nearly 30 awards were handed out, and the evening’s live performances ran the gamut, from light folk to heavy metal.
Bands that donated their time to perform included folk rock duoĀ Earthshine, rock guitarist Matt Rogers (who performed with the father/son duo of Steve and Bob Brown), Americana/folk rock bandĀ Dan Page and the Barn Cats, newly-formed rock group The Peach Pickers, and metal actĀ ENDever.
The community came out in force and proved that Billings is filled with loving and caring people that look out for each other. Individuals reached into their pocketbooks and gave generously to local musician Gy Moody, who suffered a heart attack in July. Initial estimates place donations at more than $1,250, which are going toward Moody’s mounting medical bills.
The 2009 winners are as follows:
Best Local CD: 1090 Club, Natural Selection
Best Blues Act: Soul Brat
Best Bluegrass Act: Anonymous String Association
Best Country/Western Act: The Bucky Beaver Ground Grippers
Best Folk/Americana: Dan Page and the Barn Cats
Best Soul/R&B/Jam: Funk in the Trunk
Best Jazz Act: 4 or More
Best Metal Act: ENDever
Best Punk Act: The Montana Law
Best Rap Act: Impurity
Best Rock Act: ZeN
Best Alternative Rock Act: Past Mars
Best Banjo Player: Wade Steinmetz
Best Bass Player: Parker Brown
Best Drummer: Marco Castro
Best Female Vocalist: Linda Villareal
Best Guitar Player: Art Eichele
Best Horn Player: Jeff Long
Best Keyboard Player: Dave Green
Best Male Vocalist: Nate North
Best Mandolin Player: Dennis Nettiksimmons
Best Percussionist: Matt Devitt
Best String Player: Megan Dibble
Best Harmonica Player: Dan Page
Best Live Venue (21 & Over): F.O.E.
Best Live Venue (All Ages): Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co.
Best Musical Instrument Store: Hansen Music
Best CD Store: Ernie November
Best Radio DJ: Big J (Hot 101.9)
Freeman Lacy Award: Tim and Pam Goodridge