Category Archives: Old Award Updates

WAMI Awards

WAMI Brings its Annual Celebration of Wisconsin Music to Green Bay for First Time

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April 25, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Wisconsin Area Music Industry organization is thrilled to bring its annual awards show to Green Bay on May 19, 2024 marking its inaugural Titletown show and its first in Northeast Wisconsin since 2018. The 42nd WAMI Awards will feature live music performances, Hall of Fame inductions and award presentations honoring the best of Wisconsin music across 2023.

This year’s show will take place at the Epic Event Center with doors opening at 6 p.m. The WAMI Awards show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and are available at epicgreenbay.com.

WAMI will recognize members of the Wisconsin Music Industry across a variety of categories including Album of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Best Male and Female Vocalists. Award recipients were chosen by our members using a proprietary voting system designed to preserve data integrity.

The championship-caliber show will also feature performances from:

Fun with Atoms

The Glam Band

Howard Ludtke and Blue Max

Prime Country

Secret Menu

Steem

Social Cig

The Supertramp Tribute Band

This year, we honor a superb 2024 WAMI Hall of Fame class, which includes:

Garbage

Formed in Madison, studio remix work served as the inspiration for a band that would become an international success and sell more than 17 million records. Garbage, consisting of Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, Butch Vig and Shirley Manson, was a staple of 1990s radio and has consistently delivered innovative and genre-defying music over more than 30 years.

Todd “Speech” Thomas

Todd “Speech” Thomas channeled his black experiences in Milwaukee and its suburbs into music that had a major impact across the country and around the world. Thomas is a Milwaukee native and a founder of the influential and pioneering hip hop group, Arrested Development. A two-time Grammy winner and four-time platinum seller, Speech has also had success in his solo career as an artist, speaker and ordained minister.

The Fendermen

In just a few short years, The Fendermen – a Madison-area rockabilly duo – managed to climb the Billboard Hot 100 and tour the country with American music royalty. Formed in 1958 by Jim Sundquist and Phil Humphrey, their lone hit single, “Mule Skinner Blues”, peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It propelled them opening slots for Johnny Cash and appearances on both the Grand Ole Opry and American Bandstand. As fate would have it, their last show as The Fendermen would be at Green Bay’s Rockabilly Fest in 2005. Jim and Phil have since passed away and family members will accept their induction into the Hall of Fame.

About the Event

This year, WAMI Weekend kicks off on Saturday night with our May 18 Curtain Raiser event at The Bar on Holmgren Way. Join the Wisconsin music community for this free event, featuring performances from Brass Differential, Amelia Ford and Social Cig. 

The public is invited to participate in both the Curtain Raiser event and the 42nd WAMI Awards. Tickets to the awards show include $25 general admission floor seats, $45 mezzanine VIP seating and reserved tables for 10 at $450. For more information on the show, our award finalists and hotels featuring special WAMI rates, please visit our website, wami.org.

42nd WAMI Awards

Festivities on Saturday Set the Stage for WAMI Awards 2023 in Green Bay!

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Curtain Raiser: Festivities on Saturday Set the Stage for WAMI Awards 2023 in Green Bay!

The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) is ready to ignite the musical spirit in Green Bay, starting with a vibrant prelude on Saturday, May 18 at The Bar on Holmgren Way – leading up to the highly anticipated 42nd Annual WAMI Awards Show at the EPIC Event Center on Sunday, May 19. As a cornerstone of musical talent and recognition in Wisconsin, WAMI brings together artists, fans, and industry insiders to celebrate the rich musical heritage and promising future of our beloved state.

Saturday Night Fever: The Pre-Show Party

Join us on Saturday, May 18, at The Bar on Holmgren Way for an evening of vibrant music and lively interactions. This free event will feature outstanding performances by Brass Differential, Amelia Ford, and Social Cig, setting the perfect tone for the grand awards night.

 

The Details

  • Meet & Mingle: 6pm
  • Music Starts at 7
  • Admission: Free

Stay and Play

Extend your WAMI weekend by taking advantage of special hotel rates available at nearby accommodations such as Aloft Hotel, Best Western, Hilton Garden Inn, and Spring Hill Suites. Make it a weekend to dive deep into the sounds and sights of Wisconsin’s music scene.

Supporting the Future of Music

WAMI is more than an awards show – it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through WAMIcares, we provide scholarships across the state. Consider making a donation to help us continue these vital efforts and keep Wisconsin’s music scene thriving.

Join us in Green Bay for a weekend of music, creativity, and community. Let’s make this WAMI Awards one for the history books!

Read More About the Awards Show

CLICK HERE

 

WAMI Award show in Green Bay

WAMI Rocks Title Town

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The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) is excited to announce that Green Bay will be at the epicenter of the state’s musical universe on May 19, as the illustrious 42nd annual WAMI Awards Show sets the stage at the EPIC CENTER.

WAMI Award show in Green Bay

The countdown to the 42nd annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards is on. The destination? Titletown. The reason? To honor the members of the music industry that Wisconsin proudly calls its own.

Saturday, May 18

Saturday Night Fever: The Curtain Raiser at The Bar

Facebook Event

Before the spotlights beam and the trophies shine, The Bar on Holmgren Way is where the heartbeats of WAMI Weekend begin to synchronize. Here, the sounds of Saturday night will set the tone for the grand event, offering a snippet of the rich tapestry of sounds that make up Wisconsin’s diverse music scene.with the cheers and chatter of an audience revved up for the main event.

The Details

  • Meet & Mingle: 6pm
  • Music Starts at 7
  • Admission: Free

Sunday, May 19

Sunday Spectacle: WAMI's Star-studded Night

On Sunday, the EPIC Event Center‘s doors will swing open to a flood of fans, artists, and industry giants alike.

Amidst the electric anticipation, the WAMI Awards will unveil the pinnacle of musical excellence as artists await their names. Each award, a testament to talent and dedication, is voted on by industry peers and the resonant cheers of devoted fans.

Under the bright lights, the WAMI Awards Show continues to unfolds with the Hall of Fame induction. It’s not just a celebration; it’s an induction into the annals of Wisconsin music history. Watch as the Hall of Fame opens its doors to the new inductees, and the air becomes electric with performances that echo through the night.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a WAMI Awards Show without live music! Here’s a look at the lineup! 

Tickets

At the WAMI Awards, we’re dialing up the experience to eleven with three electrifying ways to join the party.  Rock the Floor with general admission seats.  The vibe will amazing and you’re right in the pulse of the action.
 
Roll in with your crew and take over a Table—perfect for groups of ten looking to make the night legendary together. Or, hit the heights with Mezzanine seats (general admission), offering sweeping views of the stage so you won’t miss a beat or a riff.

Purchase tickets here.

The Details

  • Meet & Mingle: 6pm
  • Show Starts at 7

**If your party will not be arriving together, the purchaser must let us know. To prevent unauthorized entry, bar codes are void after being scanned, we are happy to print tickets for table guests to be picked up at Will Call.

Book Your Stay with Special WAMI Hotel Rates

Promo Toolkit for Nominees

Amplify Your Voice: A Guide for 42nd WAMI Nominees to Promote Themselves

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As we gear up for the 42nd WAMI Awards, we’re excited to introduce a suite of promotional tools designed to help nominees like you connect with fans and spread the word.

Promo Toolkit for Nominees

Engaging with Fans

In an industry as dynamic as music, standing out requires not just talent, but also a knack for promotion and engagement. Recognizing this, we’ve developed a set of resources tailored specifically for our nominees. These tools are crafted to help you effectively communicate your nomination, engage with your audience, and drive votes for the People’s Choice Categories.

Your Toolkit for Success

Social Media Mastery: In the digital age, social media is your stage. Use our pre-crafted social media post examples to announce your nomination, share your journey, and encourage your followers to vote. From heartfelt calls to action to rocking rally cries, these templates are designed to resonate with your audience and amplify your message.

Email Engagement: The personal touch of an email can make all the difference. Our email example provides a blueprint for crafting a message that shares your excitement, outlines how to vote, and invites your community to be a part of your WAMI Awards journey. It’s a powerful way to connect with those who have supported you from the start.

Voting Made Easy: With a direct link to the People’s Choice Awards voting page, guiding your fans to support you has never been simpler. Encourage your followers to make their voices heard by voting, ensuring that every fan has the opportunity to contribute to your success.

Crafting Your Narrative

Your story is unique, and sharing it can transform listeners into loyal supporters. Use these tools to tell your tale, from the early days of your musical journey to the excitement of your WAMI nomination. By inviting your audience into your world, you create a connection that goes beyond the music.

The Power of Community

The WAMI Awards are a celebration of Wisconsin’s vibrant music scene. By participating, you’re contributing to a larger narrative of creativity, resilience, and community. Your promotion efforts not only highlight your achievements but also shine a spotlight on the entire Wisconsin music community.

Ready, Set, Promote!

As we countdown to the 42nd WAMI Awards, it’s time to leverage these tools and make your mark. Share your nomination, engage with your fans, and rally the votes. With the WAMI promotional toolkit at your disposal, you’re not just a nominee; you’re a storyteller, a community builder, and a shining example of Wisconsin’s musical talent.

Let’s make this year’s WAMI Awards unforgettable. Together, we can celebrate the music, the moments, and the incredible talent that makes Wisconsin’s music scene so special. Rock on!

Promo Toolkit for Nominees

Link for People’s Choice Awards Voting: https://bit.ly/wami-peopleschoice

Social Media Post Examples:

Example 1: ?Big news! We’re nominated for the #WAMIawards2024 and your vote can help us win! If our music has touched your heart, please show your support by voting for us. https://bit.ly/wami-peopleschoice ? First round of voting closes at 11:59pm on Friday, March 8. Every vote brings us closer to the dream! #WisconsinMusic

Example 2: We’re thrilled to announce our nomination for the 42nd WAMI Awards! This is where you come in – your vote can make all the difference. ?? Visit the link below to cast your vote and help us achieve this incredible milestone. First round of voting closes at 11:59pm on Friday, March 8. Thank you for believing in our music! #WAMIawards2024

Example 3: Cranking up the volume for the 42nd WAMI Awards – we’re in the running, folks! ?? Your cheers and shouts have fueled our fire. Now, let’s rock the vote together! Click the link, drop your vote, and let’s blast our way to victory. Together, we’re unstoppable. ? First round of voting closes at 11:59pm on Friday, March 8.

Hashtags:

Email Example:

As a proud member of Wisconsin’s vibrant music community, I’m excited to share that [Your Band/Artist Name] has been nominated for the 42nd Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards!

The WAMI Awards are not just a ceremony; they’re a celebration of the passion, creativity, and spirit that fuel our local music scene. It’s an honor to be recognized among so many talented artists, and it’s all thanks to supporters like you.

Here’s where you come in! The first round of voting is now open, and your vote can make a real difference. By casting your vote, you’re not just supporting us, but you’re also uplifting the entire Wisconsin music community.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Vote for Us: Visit https://bit.ly/wami-peopleschoice to cast your vote for [Your Band/Artist Name].

We’re nominated in the following categories: [List Categories].

Spread the Word: Share our nomination with friends, family, and fellow music lovers. Every vote counts and your support means the world to us.

Stay Engaged: Follow us on [Your Social Media Links] for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and more ways to support our journey in the WAMI Awards.

Voting closes on Friday, March 8 so let’s make these moments count. We’re grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Thank you for being part of our musical family. Together, let’s make a mark on the 42nd WAMI Awards! Remember, the first round of voting closes at 11:59pm on Friday, March 8.

Rock on,

[Your Name/Your Band’s Name]

Social Profile Picture/Badge

Download from your phone:

Long-press on it until a menu appears, then select “Download Image” or “Save Image,” depending on your browser and device.

From your computer:

Right-Click and Select “Save Image As”:

  • Right-click on the image.
  • Choose “Save Image As” from the context menu that appears.
4nd wami awards show graphic, save the date, sunday, may 19, 2024

SAVE THE DATE: 42nd Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards

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4nd wami awards show graphic, save the date, sunday, may 19, 2024

The 42nd WAMI Awards Show recognizes and celebrates the musicians, venues and industry professionals that make up the Wisconsin music community.

The ceremony includes award presentations to honor a number of achievements in the Wisconsin music scene, the annual WAMI Hall of Fame Induction and live performances.

Good to Know about the 42nd WAMI Awards

  • Where: The EPIC Event Center, 2351 Holmgren Way Suite 101, Ashwaubenon, WI 54304
  • When: Sunday, May 19, 2024
  • Doors at 6pm
  • Show at 7pm
  • Tickets: TBA

More details to be announced on wami.org as the event approaches. For now, mark your calendars and save the date! Have a question? Please contact us at info@wami.org.

41st WAMI Awards Winners Announcement Graphic

2022 Award Winners

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41st WAMI Awards Winners Announcement Graphic

The annual awards recognizes members of the Wisconsin Music Industry for their achievements, contributions and excellence.

About the Awards

For over 40 years, the awards are given across over nearly 80 categories. Over the course of history only half have been given at the show.

About the Awards Show

This is an annual occasion for our community to get together, enjoy live music performances and celebrate the achievements of all nominees, finalists, winners and Hall of Fame Inductees. And for the first time, it is also a chance for WAMI to reveal our plans for bringing WAMI Scholarships to music students and educators across Wisconsin.

About the Categories Presented at the Awards Show

The awards that are presented at the show are determined by the categories receiving the highest number of votes that fit in our three hour awards show time frame, along with 11 live performances.

Announcing all Winners

The delay in announcing all winners is because of the intentional separation of the WAMI Board and the voting process that is now handled by Broadjam, our third party tabulation partner.

Simply put, WAMI did not have access to the list of winners until the morning of Monday, May 22. 

At that point, it was sent to all major media outlets in the state of Wisconsin.

Presenting the Complete List of Winners

This complete list of winners is organize alphabetically by category.

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Trophies

WAMI will provide every award winner a trophy at no cost. Award winners can learn more about obtaining trophies here.

2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

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MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) is thrilled to announce its 2023 Hall of Fame class, which will be inducted as part of the 41st WAMI Awards Show on May 21 at Milwaukee’s Turner Hall Ballroom.

A signature celebration of Wisconsin music, the WAMIs will feature live performances and award presentations honoring achievements in a variety of categories as voted upon by our members.

The WAMI Hall of Fame recognizes the excellence and influence of top Wisconsin performers at home, across the country and around the world. This year’s slate of honorees reflect Wisconsin’s significant impact in the music industry across generations. In 2023, we celebrate the contributions of Hildegarde, Bobby Hatfield, Greg Koch and Willy Porter.

Says WAMI President Jason Klagstad, “Our Board of Directors is extremely proud to contribute to WAMI’s unbroken tradition of honoring state musical excellence and legacy and warmly welcomes this year’s new inductees. To see more of the rich Wisconsin history of WAMI’s Hall of Fame, check out their new webpage dedicated to Wisconsin state musical greats who have gone before us: WAMI Hall of Fame.”

About the WAMI 2023 Hall of Fame Class

Hildegarde Loretta Sell

Hildegarde: Born in Adell and raised in New Holstein, Hildegarde Loretta Sell became a cabaret sensation who went onto global stardom.

She was the first among single-name performers and was well known for the song “Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup.” Nicknamed “the first lady of the supper clubs” by Eleanor Roosevelt, Hildegarde appeared on the cover of Life in 1939. Revlon introduced a Hildegarde shade of lipstick and nail polish.

She was an inspiration to another WAMI Hall of Famer – the one-and-only Liberace once acknowledged her influence on his performances. Hildegarde passed away in 2005 at age 99.

Bobby Hatfield: Born in Beaver Dam, Hatfield earned stardom as part of the legendary duo, The Righteous Brothers.

Alongside singing partner Bill Medley, The Righteous Brothers earned their first No. 1 was “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” produced by Phil Spector in 1964. Follow-up hits included “Unchained Melody,” a Hatfield solo performance that  hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.

It returned to the charts in 1990 when used in the blockbuster film, “Ghost.” The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. “Rolling Stone” ranked them 16th among their top 20 duos of all time. Hatfield passed away in 2003 at age 63.

Bobby Hatfield
Greg Koch

Greg Koch: A native of the Milwaukee area, Koch has earned wide acclaim for his mastery of the guitar that continues today. Koch’s style, which he’s dubbed “gristle,” is all his own. He first drew attention upon his first place win in the 1989 Bluesbreaker Guitar Showdown judged by blues legend Buddy Guy.

Plenty more have since taken notice. Koch was invited to play for Les Paul’s 100th birthday and has drawn praise from virtuosos including Joe Bonamassa and Steve Vai. In 2012, Fender named Koch one of its top 10 unsung guitarists.

He’s also played a major role in educating the next generation of guitarists as author of many books for music publisher Hal Leonard.

Willy Porter: A native of Mequon, Porter is a tireless performer whose work is beloved in Wisconsin and known across the country.

Porter’s professional career began in 1990 with his album “The Trees Have Soul” with Paul Perrone. In 1994, Porter released the album, “Dog-Eared Dream,” which led to the Willy Porter Band touring as an opening act for artists including Tori Amos, Rickie Lee Jones, and The Cranberries. 

He signed with BMG/Private Music in 1995 and with Six Degrees Records in 1999. During that time, he toured with Sting, Paul Simon, and Jeff Beck. In 2005, he formed his own imprint, Weasel Records, with his manager Chris Webb.

Willy Porter

About WAMI

The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) is a volunteer organization whose purpose is to educate and recognize the achievements and accomplishments of individuals in the Wisconsin music industry. In addition, we endeavor to provide annual scholarships to students and/or emerging artists in the Wisconsin community; promote the Wisconsin music scene; and showcase an awards ceremony annually. 

AWARD SHOW TICKETS

2023 WAMI Awards Finalists

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The WAMI Awards recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in the music industry in the state of Wisconsin.  The awards celebrate musicians, bands, songwriters, producers, engineers, venues and fans.

What is the WAMI Awards and What Does It Mean To Be A Finalist?

These finalists have been recognized and selected by their peers and fans for their work and contributions in the Wisconsin music scene.

A Closer Look at the Nomination and Voting Process

For the first time in the history of the organization, the WAMI Awards nomination and voting process was open statewide and  to the public through our partnership with Broadjam, a Wisconsin company that provides the the nomination and voting process for the Academy of Country Music, the Madison Area Music Awards and other national award shows.

Join us at the Awards Show

Celebrate the accomplishments of these finalists, see a host of live music performances and be there for the WAMI Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Greg Koch, Willy Porter, Bobby Hatfield and Hildegard: Sunday, May 21 at Turner Hall in Milwaukee.  Get tickets now.

See This year’s WAMI Finalists

Coming Soon!