5th Annual PMA Awards promises famous guests, after-party gala
The 5th Annual Portland Music A. The line-up of outstanding guests presenters and performers will ensure a night of outstanding entertainment in wards is slated at the Crystal Ballroom, S.W. 13th and West Burnside, on Sunday, Jan.22, 2012, at 7 p.msupport of Portland music and all artists. Tickets are on sale for $20 at the ticket box office or online and $25 the day of the show. Complete details at http://www.portlandmusicawards.com/about.html
The entertainment line-up includes: Roger Fisher (founding member of Heart); Tommy Tutone; Kandles At Nine (w/Deen Castronovo from Journey, and Craig Montoya from Everclear);Rob Wynia (Floater); Issa; Reva DeVito; Robbie Laws Band; Brad Parsons; and The Portland Gay Men's Choir, with more to be announced.
The Portland Music Awards were founded in 2008 by Craig Marquardo (musician, talent manager, magazine publisher, film executive.) They were designed to bring attention, appreciation and press to the numerous deserving artists and individuals that make up the rich and vibrant Portland music scene.
Each year, this event has grown in interest and in numbers and this staff writer wanted to share a more in-depth preview of what you can expect for this year’s show. The following Q&A took place between founder Craig Marquardo and this writer:
PE&D: What is the significance of the PMA awards?
CM: “I always hesitate to cite how important they are, or what value they have. Not only is it self-important and tacky, but also not quantifiable. We have had people win the award and not bother to show up to accept it, clearly not feeling it was important. Others have given Oscar-like acceptance speeches before bursting into tears. The real value of the award depends highly on how the winner uses it. Because whether it's a Grammy, an Oscar or a local award like this, it is a marketing tool to help you get where you want to go. Winning this award, when used correctly, can help book more shows, generate positive press, television appearances and ultimately earn more fans. But that is all up to the winner and their team as to how to make it work for them. For others, it makes a hell of a paperweight.”
PE&D: With the addition of the Red Carpet area this year, explain how you see that playing out and perhaps suggest ideas for the readers. (Limos, dress up, etc.)
CM: “The street corner of the Crystal Ballroom is lit up like a movie set, with the red carpet interviews being done by several camera crews, both for us and local media. Then, once upstairs, there is another large media room where interviews with the celebrities, winners and performers take place all night. The television cameras recording the show are prominent, especially the 40-foot jib arm that sweeps over the crowd throughout the show, as well as dozens of media photographers shooting the whole time. And then there is the show itself. It's a tightly run three-hour show, which, unlike every other award show on the planet, has never run over on time. We'll have celebrities giving out awards and performances by 12 bands, from national acts to locals.”
“When the show is over, we'll be moving over to the Barracuda where we will have our after-party. We'll have live music, DJs and merriment! This party is open to the public as well, so we should have a good crowd. We did it there last year, but on a Friday night, we shared the club with their normal crowd. This year, the room is all ours and we will be taking over the venue for our party. Entrance to this event is free with your ticket from the PMA show.”
PE&D: What kind of awards or certificate will the Winners receive?
CM: “The award itself is a gorgeous crystal piece, engraved and such. When I started this, I felt it was important that the award itself be of value. Each one costs a few 100 dollars.”
Final plans are in the works including the announcement of who is hosting this year’s event, as previous hosts have been Tom Skerritt, Daniel Baldwin, Art Alexakis, Tommy Tutone and Deen Castronovo.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend a night of entertainment straight from the red carpet and into the historic Crystal Ballroom, showcasing the best of Portland music, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at 7 p.m.
“…and the winner is?”
