The Washington State Independent Music Awards returns for its third year Sunday, April 19 at 5 p.m., taking over the Spanish Ballroom at McMenamins Elks Temple for a full night of performances, award presentations, and well-earned bragging rights.
This event showcases Washington’s local music scene, featuring musicians operating without major-label backing. The awards span 20 categories and include live performances from some of the state’s most prominent independent acts.
Kevin Enlow of LuJack Promotions and local music podcast Musician’s Hangout organizes and hosts the evening, continuing their work building connections across the local music community.
Organizers have pulled presenters directly from the working ranks of the regional music scene. Angela McFarlane, known for talent booking and promotions at The Plaid Pig, and Wyatt Olney, frontman for Wyatt Olney & The Wreckage, present awards for Best Blues, Jazz, Hip Hop, Electronic, and R&B.
Bonny Freimuth, lead vocalist for Innocents Torn, and Timari Ann Moxcey, frontwoman of Lungduster, will present awards for Best Reggae, Punk, Metal, Country, and Rock.
Laura Jean McKee, known online for her TRL: Total Request Laura cover series on YouTube, and Jessica Gittings, a bassist in multiple local rock projects and a cellist for Nirvana Tribute US, will present awards for Best Pop, Industrial, Solo Artist, Duo, and Live Show.
The final group of presenters, Tizzy Teach, an alternative hip-hop artist and owner of Dysfunctional Family Records, and Serena Bobbi, a solo R&B and pop vocalist and model, will present awards for Best Video, Single, Up and Coming, Album, and Local Legend.
The schedule of the night was designed to keep things moving and includes live music performances by Jody Ellen, Randy Loran, and Huligan.
All this takes place at the iconic Spanish Ballroom, where the ambiance is epic and the sound pristine. If you are a fan of local live music or want to hobnob with artists before the mainstream catches on, this is a can’t-miss annual event right here in downtown Tacoma.
Event Schedule
Welcome & Opening
Kevin Enlow and Musician’s Hangout introductions
Performance by Jody Ellen
First Awards Block
(Presented by Angela McFarlane and Wyatt Olney)
Best Blues
Best Jazz
Best Hip Hop
Best Electronic
Best R&B
Performance by Randy Loran
Second Awards Block
(Presented by Bonny Freimuth and Timari Ann Moxcey)
Best Reggae
Best Punk
Best Metal
Best Country
Best Rock
Intermission
Performance by Huligan
Third Awards Block
(Presented by Laura Jean McKee and Jessica Gittings)
Best Pop
Best Industrial
Best Solo Artist
Best Duo
Best Live Show
Final Awards Block
(Presented by Tizzy Teach and Serena Bobbi)
Best Video
Best Single Song
Best Up and Coming
Best Album
Local Legend
Closing Remarks
Kevin Enlow and Musician’s Hangout
WA State Independent Music Awards
Sunday, April 19, 5 p.m.
Spanish Ballroom, 565 Broadway, Tacoma,
Ticket Price: $44.37 in advance
Tinyurl.com/wastatemusicawards
