Art by Zeke Barbaro
Not throwing an epic wing-ding after the dreadful and disillusioning last 12 months remains a bitter pill to pop. This community deserves one. That said, not having an in-person Austin Music Awards is a no-brainer. No tradition s worth risking the health of people we care about – not even a homegrown legacy show.
So instead of orchestrating a diminished version of something we ve done for 38 consecutive years, the
Chronicle decided on something totally different: bringing the AMAs to the winners. Emcee Kevin Curtin behind the wheel (Photo by David Brendan Hall) In an homage to the Publishers Clearing House Prize television commercials from decades ago, we transformed a 1995 Dodge band van into a “Winners Wagon” and surprised the top vote-getters of the 2020/2021 Austin Music Poll at their homes.
Our man with a van, Kevin Curtin, surprised this year s Austin Music Award winners with a novelty check, gifts, and the appreciation from a thankful city. You voted and we re celebrating your choices with a little help from our sponsor, Cap Metro.
Below you can find video proof of that celebration thanks to some production assistance from Arts & Labor. Thanks also to photographer David Brendan Hall who not only captured his trademark incredible images but also distracted our winners while Kevin did his best to sneak up on them in a massive van.
Album of the Year (presented by Real Ale Brewing): Jackie Venson