Billtown Bus Stop Announces Music Awards
Recognition Given for Local Contribution to Music
WILLIAMSPORT -- The Billtown Bus Stop Radio Hour, a radio program on WVYA 89.7FM, announced Music Award Winners on Monday, January 4th.
According to the show host, "Singer at Large" Johnny J. Blair, "The Radio Hour emphasizes recordings that were created locally or have a regional connection. Most of the music aired reflects what is going on in Williamsport and surrounding areas, with an emphasis on Americana, hip-hop, jazz, pop/rock, psychedelia, punk, world music; really any visionary music that fits, from tango to techno."
"There was community response and critical consensus for many of the artists that have been played on this show. They've all had a measurable impact on the regional music scene, or have shown unique qualities."
Award categories include Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, Best Album, Best Website, Musician of the Year, Song of the Year, Special Achievement, and Artists Emeritus:
- Artist of the Year: Key of V
- Song of the Year: "It Ain't Over" by John Oliver&the Distinguished
- Album of the Year: LUCKY 7s by Ron Fleeger&the Stranger
- Musician of the Year: David Brumbaugh/Uptown Music Collective
- Best Artist Websites of 2009: Earl Pickens, Lumpy Gravy
- Outstanding Contributions: Brad Nason (WPTC), Fiona Powell (WVYA), Rob Steele and staff and crew of the Community Arts Center, Brock Trunzo (www.chilitech.fm)
- Artist Emeritus (for remarkable leadership and devotion): Richard&Alison Rupert, Joel Vincent, Valerie Whyman
Blair said, "Some were recognized for their hard work, while others for their latest recording, since not everyone released a new product in 2009.
"Throughout the month of January, the Radio Hour playlist will celebrate the music of all these great artists."
The WVYA studio is located in downtown Williamsport inside the Community Arts Center, which sits near a bus stop. "Hence the name of the show," said Blair. "You never know who might get off the bus."
Blair is a recording artist, producer and singer-songwriter whose own music is described as "a mix of punk energy, old school soul and sunny pop invention." He frequently records and tours with ex-Monkee Davy Jones, and Blair has backed Jones on network television documentaries and concert clips. Jones was a special guest on the Radio Hour in December. Prior guests have included Mayor Gabriel Campana, Mike Garson (David Bowie's pianist), and other notables.
Matthew Parrish, Arts and Entertainment Editor for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was a special guest of the broadcast and helped to announce the winners.
The Billtown Bus Stop Radio Hour can be heard every Monday at 7PM on 89.7 WVYA-FM and is podcast on http://www.northcentralpa.com/category/category/entertainment/bus-stop. For more information e-mail billtownbustop@wvia.org.
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