By Press Release Submitted to OnMilwaukee.com Published Apr 24, 2017 at 10:06 AM

Wisconsin’s top musicians and industry notables were recognized for their contributions to the state’s diverse music scene at the 37th annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards Show, held Sunday night at Turner Hall in Milwaukee.

Awards were presented in various categories, ranging from recognition for musicianship and recordings to industry-related technical areas, with recipients hailing from all areas of the state.

Award winners

  • Artist of the Year: Vinyl Theatre
  • Album of the Year: Dead Horses – "Cartoon Moon"
  • Song of the Year: Devil Met Contention – "Fire"
  • New Artist: J-Council
  • Female Vocalist: Sarah Vos
  • Male Vocalist: Travis Schinke, Erik Kjelland
  • Singer/Songwriter: Brett Newski
  • Rising Star: Eminence
  • Alternative Rock/Rock Artist: Kyle Megna & The Monsoons
  • Bluegrass/Americana: Dead Horses
  • Blues Artist: Big N’ Tasty Blues
  • Christian/Gospel: Night Divine
  • Country Artist: Driveway Thriftdwellers
  • Cover Artist: Almighty Vinyl
  • Folk/Celtic: Sugar Ransom
  • Hard Rock: Imperial Fall
  • Metal: Conniption
  • Punk: The Pukes
  • Jazz Artist: The Jazz Orgy
  • Polka: The Squeezettes
  • Pop Rock Artist: GGOOLLDD
  • Hip Hop/Rap Artist: IshDARR
  • R&B/Soul Artist: Tweed Funk
  • World/Reggae/Ska/Latin: King Solomon
  • Club DJ/Dance/Electronic: Melvv
  • Horn/Big Band: Cold Sweat & The Brew City Horns
  • Tribute: The Prince Experience
  • Bass Player: Jeff Hammes
  • Drummer: Mike Underwood
  • Guitar Player: Bill Heck
  • Keyboard Player: Aaron Zinsmeister
  • Reeds/Brass Player: Michelle Jerabek
  • Strings Player: Thea Morton Voraass
  • Best Studio Engineer/Producer: Geoff Wilbourn
  • Best Recording Studio: Rock Garden
  • Best Live Club/Venue: The Saloon on Calhoun
  • Best Live Engineer Sound/Lights: Jeremy Boerson
  • President’s Award: Marc Solheim

People’s Choice Awards

  • (Northeast) Band: Hyde
  • Fan: Chris & Anita Holloman
  • Venue: Rocky & Tara’s Nut Haus
  • Radio Station: WAPL 105.7
  • Music Teacher: Mark Budwit

(Northwest) Band: Spicy Tie Band

  • Fan: Penny Perot
  • Venue: Live On Main
  • Radio Station: WIEC-LP 102.7
  • Music Teacher: Brad Burrell

(Southeast) Band: The Playlist

  • Fan: Cindee May
  • Venue: The Saloon On Calhoun
  • Radio Station: 102.9 The Hog
  • Music Teacher: Derek Machan

(Southwest) Band: Pat Watters Band

  • Fan: Mark Breunig
  • Venue: Fawn Creek Winery
  • Radio Station: 97.1 WCOW
  • Music Teacher: Kathy Wacker

WAMI Hall of Fame inductees

  • Eric Benét
  • Short Stuff
  • Bryan Lee