Just days before the Josie Music Awards 10th Anniversary celebration and award ceremonies, the biggest Nashville party weekend of the year, the anticipation, enthusiasm, and excitement quickly mounted like the slow climb up a roller coaster before the first drop. The sold out 4,372 seat Grand Ole Opry House beckoned its nominees, those not afraid to follow their hearts, friends of and families as they entered the Music Capital one by one, all filled with expectation and optimism.
The JMAs have become a Nashville stable each year and an event for everyone in the music industry looks forward to. The mission of the Josie Music Awards “is to honor, recognize and reward excellence, outstanding talents, and remain focused on the creativity across the independent music industry.” The awards acknowledge all music genres, and every submission is carefully considered by an all pro panel of judges with resumes that have included Grammys, CMA‘s, and more. The JMA’s is the largest music award show and ultimate recognition for talents in the independent music industry. The founders Tinamarie Passantino and Josie Passantino-Boone work endlessly throughout the year making dreams come true and truly love doing it.
As the lights softly dimmed and hosts Tinamarie and Josie wearing big beautiful smiles entered the stage it appeared as though they’ve been waiting for this moment for what seemed like years…Ten years to be specific as the pre-party anniversary gala began. The CMA Theater was filled to capacity and the first act Cody McCarver was wonderfully country western. Sixteen year old Hadlie Jo was next with a beautiful performance followed by give aways, and more. After the Induction of country singer/ songwriter David Wills into the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame, there were more performances by Gary Patrick, and Will Wesley.
One of the highlights of the evening was the “Songwriter Achievement Award Presentation revealed by guest presenter multi-award winning composer, singer/songwriter/pianist Randy Edelman who is also set to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for the ceremonies and receive the honor of Legendary Songwriter. A true entertainer, he treated the audience with his humor and relaxed confidence. After presenting the awards, he proclaimed that it had been the longest he’d ever been on stage without a piano and he felt naked… He made all 800 people in the crowd smile and laugh throughout the announcements with his humorous and unique comments.
This was followed by more superb performances by Clare Cunningham and show stopping John Berry. The evening was a rousing country western, musical success, 10th anniversary success…and we can all look forward to the red carpet and ceremonial extravaganza….
The official website of The Josie Music Awards may be found at https://www.josiemusicawards.com/
Be the first to comment