Sacramento’s music culture runs deep. From jazz and gospel roots to hip-hop, R&B, and soul, this city has always had rhythm. However, for years, many local artists have lacked a stage where they can be celebrated and honored.
That changes with the Greater Sacramento Urban Music Awards.
The Sept. 17 show at The Sofia brought together local musicians, community leaders, and fans for a trailblazing celebration of the city’s homegrown talent.
Grammy-winning singer and event founder Jay King described the event as a brand-new tradition honoring the legacy and the future of Sacramento urban music.
“The idea is to bring light to the great talent we have right here in Sacramento. If we don’t recognize our talent at the ground level, we should not expect anyone to recognize us anywhere else,” King said.
Frances Wright, the event support lead, expressed profound gratitude to King for establishing the awards show and helping local artists gain notice.
“It’s going to open a lot of doors for local artists,” Wright said.
The evening featured live performances and emotional award moments, and Gold Carpet Glamour.
“I am humbled to even be here,” said Shawn Raiford, a quadruple nominee whose “Man with a Horn” won for best smooth jazz album. “We get very little exposure from people around, so having a show organized by the community is simply amazing.”
Event volunteer Marlett Berry said the show was a great way to motivate artists. She also expressed her love for Sacramento’s unique music culture.
“We have a plethora of music here in Sacramento. There are so many genres that cater to different audiences,” Berry said.
Attendee Michael Peavy, and local pastor at Purpose Church in Natomas, said the awards add an important element to recognizing the artists in Sacramento’s “powerful” music scene.
“I am glad that the artists get credit for their amazing work,” he said. “Sacramento music has something for everybody. Our culture is infused in our music, which creates beauty.”
King said he plans to add categories beyond R&B and jazz, such as fine arts, theater arts, dance and literature.
“We want to make sure that people who do good work are being recognized for the good work they do,” he said.
The Winners
- Best R&B single: Lucky Witherspoon
- New artist of the year (female): Elle Nikole
- Best jazz album: Juan Escovedo
- Best remake: Tony Mosley
- New artist of the year (male): Pete Belasco
- Best smooth jazz album: Shawn Raiford
- Best inspirational song: Ariel Marin
- Best group or duo: Club Nouveau
- Best new R&B band/group: 3TOB
- Best jazz female vocal: Niki Haris
- Best jazz vocal single: Jay King
- Best smooth jazz single: DL Edwards
- Best instrumental performance: Big Mike Hart
- Female artist of the year: Jessica Jolia
- Male Vocalist of the year: Joe Leavy
- Undiscovered artist of the year: Gerald Richardson
- Song of the year: Darnell Kendricks
- Producer of the year: Derek “DOA” Allen
- Best social commentary song: TJ Gibson
- Best R&B album: Joe Leavy (Soul On Fire)
- Best club record: Sugar High
- Lifetime achievement awards: Lenny Williams, Con Funk Shun, Bob Jones and The Chosen Few, Karyn White, Dawn Silva, Collage, Roger Smith.
- Brian Porter Humanitarian Award (posthumous): Porter’s daughters Brianna and Brittany received the award on their father’s behalf.
- Legendary Musicians Tribute Awards: Derek DOA Allen, Jimi Morris, Doug Lovelace, Pat Green, Flip Kirby, Michael Brookins, O’Dell Ross.