While preparing for the National convention of the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America next month in Nashville, we should mention that the organization held a regional convention and awards presentation earlier in January.
The 41st Annual Midwest Awards Show was hosted by SPBGMA on January 10 in Jefferson City, MO. As its name suggests, these honors are distributed to bluegrass artists, promoters, and associations in the central part of the United States.
The 2015 winners are:
- Bluegrass Promoter of the Year – Bluegrass Music Association of Iowa
- Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year – Sandi Millar, No Grass Limit
- Bluegrass Album of the Year – Originals – No Grass Limit – Universe Unlimited
- Bass Fiddle Performer of the Year – Lori King, Lori King & Junction 63
- Dobro Performer of the Year – Larita Martin, Bluegrass Martins
- Guitar Performer of the Year – Clint Birtzer- No Grass Limit and Sawtooth Brothers
- Mandolin Performer of the Year – Chuck Millar, No Grass Limit and Lori King & Junction 63
- Banjo Performer of the Year – Mike Hedding, No Grass Limit and High 48s
- Fiddle Performer of the Year – Jeana Martin-Faris, Bluegrass Martins
- Female Vocalist of the Year (Contemporary) – Tammy Harman, Bull Harman & Bulls Eye
- Female Vocalist of the Year (Traditional) – Lori King, Lori King & Junction 63
- Male Vocalist of the Year (Contemporary) – Dale Martin, Bluegrass Martins
- Male Vocalist of the Year (Traditional) – Lonnie Fults, Highway Home
- Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year – The Harper Family
- Bluegrass Band of the Year (Contemporary) – No Grass Limit
- Bluegrass Band of the Year (Traditional) – Lori King & Junction 63
- Vocal Group of the Year – No Grass Limit
- Instrumental Group of the Year – The Bluegrass Martins
- Entertaining Group of the Year – Bull Harman & Bulls Eye
- Entertainer of the Year – Bull Harman, Bull Harman & Bulls Eye
Congratulation to them all!
