2nd Annual Rockzillaworld Music Awards

January 13, 2002

Dallas, Texas

by Al Kunz

My Rockzillaworld writing peers decided to put this Yankee in his place. Instead of drawing for the shortest straw to choose which of us got to write this, they said it went to the one with the shortest legs. So for those of you who couldn't attend or were too drunk to remember, I'll try to summarize some of the high (and low) points of the evening. A complete list of nominees and winners is available elsewhere.

Jay Johnson was kind enough to act as Master of Ceremonies again this year. He and Mr. Rockzilla (Michael Johnson) put countless hours into putting the event together. Jay was working from a very rough outline and had to fly by the seat of his pants as the event unfolded. Special thanks to Jay, Rock, as well as Bill & Nina, owners of the Lone Star Club and Café, for a great job.

At half-hour before our scheduled starting time (7:00 PM), reports were trickling in that the LBJ freeway (I-635) had been shut down because of an accident. When Victor Andrada, the scheduled opener, had failed to appear by 7:30, Jay Johnson took the stage to sing a few songs in Andrada's place while giving the people still in line outside a few more minutes to get in.

The show officially started with some introductory remarks from Jay, after which Domino King Steve Newman left the rest of the band in the audience, took the stage solo for a stirring a cappella performance of the "Star Spangled Banner." That country boy can sing. A brief showcase performance by Dallas songwriter Doug Burr and his band, The Lonelies, followed. Max Stalling, the Rockzillaworld 2000 Vocalist of the Year, played a couple of songs with his new guitarist.

With the Lone Star Club and Café packed, it was time to move into the awards section of the night's program. Each of the award winners present gave a brief performance. The beautiful Becca Dalrymple performed in place of Female Vocalist of the Year Susan Gibson, who's currently holed up in a Montana cabin writing songs for her next album. Macon Greyson played in proxy for Band of the Year Cross Canadian Ragweed, who had apparently experienced an issue with the border guards while attempting to cross the Red River into the Republic of Texas.

Special awards were presented to David Card (owner of Poor David's Pub in Dallas) for Club of the Year and to Leslie T. Travis from KIKK radio in Houston as the Rockzillaworld Media Personality of the Year. Larry Massey made a special presentation to Bruce Kidder of KHYI radio on behalf of all the pickers who have participated in the KHYI weekly Pickin' Party at the Lone Star.

No doubt everyone who was there has favorite performances and memories of this night. Here are a few of the possibilities.

Master of Ceremonies Jay Johnson named Male Vocalist of the Year.

Jay was one of the few people who knew the winners in advance so that he could be ready with a few remarks while the winning artist prepared to perform. The devious Rockzilla misled Jay who was all set to talk about Brian Burns. Needless to say he had neglected to prepare his acceptance speech.

Rockzilla answers the "what is Americana" music question.

During his remarks, publisher Michael Johnson explained that Rockzillaworld subscribes to the "big tent" definition of Americana, adding that we define it as "any music we like." Commenting on Johnson's remarks, Scott Fant, a Dallas area songwriter, said, "I suppose [Americana] is a short exit and sharp left off the mainstream [but] everywhere I play and every show I attend as a fan, I look around and see a bunch of mainstream people." He added, "It's not our fault if most of the big record labels don't get it."

Rockzillaworld writers revealed to be out of words.

After Jay Johnson introduced each of the Rockzillaworld writers in attendance, we fled the stage. For the record, we weren't really speechless as Jay commented, we just didn't want to say anything without time for a few more rewrites and review by editor William Michael Smith.

Brian Burns performs Song of the Year, "1836: Revolution"

If this song didn't put a lump in your throat, you either weren't paying attention or should be deported from Texas. During this song I couldn't help but think of Rockzillaworld writer and lover-of-all-things-Texas Dave Pilot who was unable to attend, instead lying in his Charlotte, NC bed with a bottle of Jack Daniels (at least part of this on orders from his doctor). We missed ya, buddy.

Macon Greyson stands in for Cross Canadian Ragweed

I know it's a cliché, but these guys really rocked, covering Uncle Tupelo's "Whiskey Bottle" and performing "Lovin' You and Suicide," a Macon Greyson original. As an anonymous audience member commented, "Watching the bass player alone was worth the price of admission."

Cooder Graw slips in under the wire

After spending the day working on their new music video in Austin,the members of Cooder Graw rushed to Dallas and walked in the door seconds after being announced as the Album of the Year winner. Within a few minutes they'd also won Entertainer of the Year honors and were on stage to perform a short but killer set.

Singers, songwriters, and musicians everywhere

Artists from all over Texas were in attendance and eager to talk to fans. Johnny Wolfe and Davin James were up from Houston and T-Roy Miller was in from Pine Mills. Cooder Graw made the trip from Austin instead of returning home to Amarillo. Hank Riddle, co-writer of Song of the Year "Magnolia," made the trek from Wood County, explaining that they "didn't stop once all the way" as he bowled me over running for the restroom. Annie Benjamin, Ed Burleson, Alex Whitmore, Mark David Manders, and well I couldn't begin to list everyone. All I can say is you missed a great chance to see all your favorites in one place.

The Grand Finale

Steve Newman and Rockzillaworld Guitar Hero of the Year Davin James joined the Domino Kings rhythm section to kick off the 1st Annual Rockzillaworld Texas Tag Team Guitar Death Match. While Newman and James held their ground, a succession of the best guitarists in Texas joined them on stage, trading places after a few minutes with the next in line. There were no body slams, no one was thrown over the ropes, but it was a guitar jam you shouldn't have missed. A sampling of those jumping into the fray included Kelly Turner (Cooder Graw), Lance Smith (Mark David Manders Band), Eric Herbst, Fritz Schultz (Full Metal Racket), Dirt Stinnett, and Harley Husbands (Macon Greyson), with Kevin Deal and Brian Burns taking turns on harmonica.

Eventually I've got to stop writing so you unfortunate souls who didn't come can feel sorry for yourselves. If I missed your favorite artist or memory in this recap, then post your thoughts on the Rockzillaworld discussion group for everyone to see. I hope to see you all at the 3rd Annual Rockzillaworld Music Awards next year.


Contact Al Kunz at kunz-at-rockzilla.net

 
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