The nominations are out now for the very best in CT music. I know that there are tears on both sides of the aisle for those nominated and those not. It’s pretty bitter sweet for many of us who are avid fans of many CT bands and musicians…We want all of you to be nominated!! But, alas, only 5 can be in each category.
So what does Chip McCabe have to say about all this?
Are you glad this first wave of voting is over? It feels like it’s been a real nail-biter.
Yes and no. It’s exciting to move to the next phase of all of this – the planning and prep of the Music Awards and Grand band Slam. But at the same time this is my favorite time of year now and I don’t really want it to end.
The number of votes in was pretty impressive. What was the final tally, how many bands nominated, and was this a record for Grand Band Slam?
We had over 115,000 votes cast for roughly 600 different artists/bands. This is three times the number of votes the CTMA’s received last year. I really don’t know what the old Grand Band Slam used to get and, frankly, it’s apples and oranges now with the new format because we streamlined the categories and made everything statewide instead of regional by paper.
Where there any surprises for you? Anything in this whole process that blew your mind?
The response overall was what I was hoping for but I’m still having a hard time processing that so many people voted and got behind this thing. It really does mean a lot that so many people share a similar vision of giving the CT music scene the respect and honor it deserves.
What are you most looking forward to now that the field is narrowed to the nominees?
Opening those envelopes! I’ve got the list of Finalists sitting in front of me but I find out when you do who wins. Can. Not. Wait.
We can’t wait either here at Local Band Review!
______________________________________________________________________
Catch the 2nd Annual CT Music Awards on September 17 at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford. Tickets on sale August 5 for only ten bucks! Yup. $10 for a night of great music and awards. You wanna be there! Pick them up by phone or at the Bushnell box office. #ctmusicawards