Angelina Valente brings home three ’24 Eddies Music Awards

SIRSY and WEXT Radio each won twice Sunday at Proctors ceremony

SCHENECTADY—Saratoga Springs artist Angelina Valente took home the most awards at the 6^th annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards on Sunday, April 21, at Proctors, winning awards for Solo/Duo Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Album of the Year.

Other multiple award winners include indie pop duo SIRSY who received Eddies Music Awards for Pock/Pop Artist of the Year and Record of the Year and WEXT who was named Radio Station of the Year and DJ of the Year for Andy Gregory.

Merit Awards are given each year to music initiatives that don’t fit traditional categories that benefit the community. The Capital Region Blues Network was one of two recipients this year for its Blues in the Libraries initiative. The group has actively promoted the careers and music of blues legends by donating books and compact discs to libraries throughout the region.

Also receiving the Merit Award were Joe Mele and Patti Quade, organizers of the Dustin Mele Memorial Concert. The event has been held annually for a decade to raise funds for local suicide prevention organizations; through the generosity of local musicians who have donated their time and talents over $125,000 has been collected.

In all, over 200 nominees in 34 categories were celebrated. Performing during the event were Ethan Crowley, Hold On Honeys, Cassandra Kubinski, Jocelyn & Chris, Ruth Pelham and The Sugar Hold. DJ Trumastr spun music from—and inspired by—Eddies Music Award winners as well. Emcees were co-producer Kelly Auricchio and Eddies co-founder Jim Murphy.

“First and foremost, the Eddies were created to foster a sense of community and connection,” Murphy said in reflecting on the origins of the event. “And to show appreciation and give recognition. The awards process is an instrument to accomplish those objectives.”

The Eddies Music Awards, part of the Proctors Collaborative, are voted on by members of the local music community.

The recipients of the 2024 Eddies Music Awards:

• Electronica Artist of the Year: 100 Psychic Dreams
• Punk/Hardcore Artist of the Year: Blasè DeBris
• Metal/Hard Rock Artist of the Year: The Erotics
• Live Production Crew of the Year: High Peaks Event Production
• Record Label of the Year: Upstate Records
• Music Recording Studio of the Year: White Lake Music & Post
• Presenter/Promoter of the Year: Caffè Lena/Sarah Craig
• Seasonal Outdoor Venues/Concert Series: Music Haven Concert Series
• Radio Station of the Year: WEXT 97.7, 106.1
• Radio DJ of the Year: Andy Gregory
• Arts Publication of the Year (print, TV or new media): Nippertown (Gazette)
• Music Journalist of the Year (tie): Kirsten Ferguson and Michael Hochanadel
• Music Photographer of the Year: Kiki Vassilakis
• Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year: Albany Symphony Orchestra
• World Music Artist of the Year: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra
• RnB/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year: The E-Block
• DJ of the Year: DJ Trumastr
• Party Cover Band of the Year: Garland Nelson and Soul Session
• Cover Band of the Year: The Refrigerators
• Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year: JB!! aka Dirty Moses
• Americana Artist of the Year: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
• Solo or Duo Artist of the Year: Angelina Valente
• Solo or Duo Performer of the Year (Covers): Jeff Brisbin
• Jazz Artist of the Year: Chuck Lamb
• Jam Band of the Year: TV Doctors
• Blues Artist of the Year: Mark & Jill
• Country/Bluegrass Artist of the Year: Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys
• Rock/Pop Artist of the Year: SIRSY
• Alt/Indie Artist of the Year: Architrave
• Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year: Hold On Honeys
• Songwriter of the Year: Angelina Valente
• Music Video of the Year: “Don’t Quit Your Day Job” – Buggy Jive
• Album of the Year: “Sing” – Angelina Valente
• Record of the Year: “Seven Seas” – SIRSY

Merit Award (2 recipients)

• Dustin Mele Memorial Concert
  Joe Mele and Patti Quade
• Blues in the Libraries
  Capital Region Blues Network