Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

On music and mischief at the MAMAs

With so much going on in Modesto these days, it can be hard to see all the local talented musicians.

That's why I love the annual Modesto Area Music Association Awards, which brings all the best and brightest together in one spot. What's especially great is that all the winners are chosen by online vote.

At the 10th annual ceremony, held Oct. 21 at the State Theatre, bands for every taste took the stage. Performers included winner Paul Tolle (best rawk and jam), nominees Marirose & the Gypsies (Americana), Trisha Johnson and the Heavy Hearts (pop) and Morning Maladies (best blue collar).

Morning Maladies won my heart with their ska-influenced cover of 1980s a-ha hit "Take on Me."

I also loved the 1950s inspired video for "The Yeah!" produced by best alternative band nominee The Panduhs. The video had a dream sequence where a girl from the past in a ponytail and poodle skirt gets beamed to the present for a Panduhs concert.

In one of the big surprises of the evening, Nino's Place on McHenry Avenue got nominated for best venue, beating out better known clubs like the Fat Cat and The Palladium. Known as a biker bar, Nino's wasn't a favorite of everyone at the awards ceremony.

"I'm afraid to go to Nino's," joked emcee Alan Sanchez of TV's "Good Day Sacramento." "Am I invited?"

For the first time, the MAMAs honored a comedian, with Marcello Arguello taking the trophy. Carlos Cano performed, joking about everything from soccer to romance.

"I've always wanted to drown my miseries but I can't get my girlfriend to go swimming," he quipped.

With the awards show running 3½ hours, it wasn't surprising that the crowd began to get restless as the evening wore on. Sanchez tried to distract audience members with his humorous dancing and by promising that it wouldn't be long until they could go to the after-parties.

But some people's patience wore thin. Jay Smith led a group of bluegrass/Americana musicians onto the stage for an unscheduled performance that interrupted the announcement for best urban music. Torie D, the winner, seemed, understandably, a bit miffed that he had trouble getting on stage to get his award.

This isn't the first time that Smith has stirred up mischief. In 2007, when the MAMAs were at the Gallo Center for the Arts, he sang a raunchy rendition of REO Speedwagon's "Keep on Loving You" to the female trophy presenter.

For the most part, however, the evening went smoothly. Founders Chris Murphy and Chris Ricci should feel proud of creating an event that pays tribute to the local musicians performing in our community day after day.

For more on the Modesto area arts scene, visit www.twitter.com/lisamillegan.