<<<pMuzzy Luctin AAAAAAAAA<<<
...are some musicians west of Milwaukee." After Sunday, a MAMA nomination or its simple glass award should be far more prestigious than a WAMI invitation in the Madison area. From big-league video production to a mime flying indoor kites, the MAMAs offered classy entertainment without being too staid. No single act dominated the night. No one left the Orpheum with a Grammy-type bushel of awards. The well-done categories emphasized specific genres rather than lumping a hard rocker against, say, a country band. Nominations were gathered online and then turned over to several passionate local music watchers, who adjusted the nominees and selected the winners. It meant that the city's most popular acts didn't automatically win and left any pre-show predictions moot. (It's hard to imagine reggae band Natty Nation walking away empty-handed, but that's what happened.) Seven acts, including big-band high schoolers Jazz West and rappers The Crest, received prized spots to perform a song. Affable host John Urban and always-fun house band The Gomers lent professionalism to the proceedings.
Among the many memorable moments were:

* When Amelia Royko won best female vocalist, a man sheepishly stepped to the podium to accept the award after he realized Royko was somewhere in the cavernous Orpheum preparing to play. "I'm her boyfriend," he said truthfully. Royko then arrived onstage with guitar in hand.

* Clyde Stubblefield received two well-deserved standing ovations. The MAMAs ended with Stubblefield getting a lifetime achievement award. Best of all, the legendary drummer continues to be one of the most active performers in Madison night spots.

* Crowd favorite and multi-band performer Biff Blumfumgagnge won Best Instrumentalist and said, "I want to thank everyone I've worked and will work with."

* Best Metal Artist winner Middleworld said they weren't really heavy metal performers - but they gamely offered hilarious metal-hero poses.

* WORT music director Sybil Augustine and Q106 disc jockey Mel McKenzie were a hoot as presenters. Augustine said the community-sponsored WORT is "the only station that will never be owned by Clear Channel." Her comment drew the night's most boisterous response, indicating that national radio giant Clear Channel desperately needs to refine its image.

* Several performers talked glowingly about the MAMAs as an annual ceremony. After Sunday's success, it seems likely to become one of the city's staple events.

\ ***********************************************************Contact Tom Alesia at talesia@madison.com or at 252-6122.