Connecticut Music Awards Recognize Talent of Top Local Performers

The 2nd Annual Connecticut Music Awards brought together the best of the state’s music scene for one night of celebration at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, earlier this month.

Finalists in 18 different categories gathered to find out who'd be taking home the top prizes in the state's Grammy-styled music awards show, which featured live performances, acceptance speeches, and enthusiasm for the uptick in live performance venues and supportive audiences around the state.

While media coverage of the evening was rather limited, the recognition was well received.  Among the winners:

Best Overall Band:  Waterbury-based Fight the Fear

Best New Band: Violent Mae

Best Blues – Balkun Brothers, based in West Hartford

Best Country – John Mayock & the Homesteaders

Best Cover/Tribute Band – 7 Below – (A Tribute to Phish)

Best DJ – DJ M.E. (Miles Elliot of Hartford)

Best Rock – 1974

Best Singer/Songwriter – Kate Callahan

Best Jazz – Isaac Young Quartet

Best Folk/Traditional – Goodnight Blue Moon