By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Sabrina and Gordon Freitas pick up awards.

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The music played
on and on

At the Hawaii Music Awards

By John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin

THE show ran overtime but Hawaii Music Awards President Johnny Kai Lorance remained upbeat as he presented the 2nd annual Hawaii Music Awards last night at Hawaii Theatre. More than 81 people from Hawaii, Japan and the South Pacific received kudos.

Damon Williams and Justin Young were both named Most Popular New Artist. Williams also won Best Recording by a Pop Vocalist, was one of two winners for Best Recording by an Island Music Vocalist, and was one of seven winners for "Live" Performance Video. Young got Best Reggae Vocalist and Best Rhythm & Blues Vocalist. Michaelle Edwards, Gordon Freitas, Nightwing, Razed in Black, Tone Deaf Teens and Sudden Rush received two awards each.

Co-hosts Loyal Garner and Rodney Villanueva were brilliant as they kept the crowd laughing despite miscues and technical difficulties. For much of the last hour there was no emcee. Awards presenters introduced themselves and acceptance speeches were curtailed after the show went into overtime.

There were some bright moments. Piano prodigy Sean Kennard earned a standing ovation for his performance. Sudden Rush featuring Tenderoni rocked a dwindling crowd with original Hawaiian rap several hours later. Ogata made the hottest comment of the night when he told the audience to note which politicians hadn't already left!

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Justin performs.

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Lorance' biggest contribution has been creating awards for people who are involved in music but not as recording artists. Here are the winners:

Oahu Band Director's Award (2): Michael Nakasone and Kathleen Moana Allen

Teacher in Residence: Annette Johansson

Hawaii Music Teacher's Association Award: Ellen Masaki

Hawaii Music Awards Outstanding Performance Award (2): Sean Kennard and the Department of Education/"Music Factory") KHET

Hawaii Songwriter's Association Award: Nancy Gustafsson and Victor "Lanakila" Rittenband

Hawaii Opera Theatre General Director's Award (3): Jim Becker, Nani Mahoe and Rhinehardt Pua'a

Musician's Association of Hawaii Outstanding Musician: David Choy

Musician's Association of Hawaii Lifetime Achievement: John E.K. Akaka

Governor's Fine Arts Award (2): Sony Corporation and Don Ho

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Kainoa Kamaka rips out the Chuck Berry classic
"Johnny B. Goode" on his ukulele.

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"Live" Performance Video (7): Jennifer Barber, Chillum, Razed in Black, Rolando Sanchez, Showdown, Transmutator and Damon Williams.

Best Music Video Production (3): Razed in Black, Marco Rosas and Tone Deaf Teens

Mahalo Awards (5): Nora Fuererstein, Loyal Garner, Hawaii Theatre, Kaanapali Resort, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel

Reggae Vocalist: Justin Young

Seasonal Vocalist: Dennis Kai'imi Keohokalole

Paniolo Vocalist: Gordon Freitas

New Age Vocalist Michaelle Edwards

Country Album: Jimmy Mack & Uncle B

Comedy Album: Mike "Johnny Sweetbread" Victorino

Anthology Album: Nightwing

International Hawaiian Artist: The Birds

Best Recording by a Polynesian Artist: Dennis & Helen Ah Yek

Best Recording by a Polynesian Vocalist: Efiriama Tauofia

Best Recording for a Polynesian Song: Tia Orana E Paria

Best Recording by a Gospel Vocalist (2): Trio of Liann Collazo and Reggie Smith and Lady Love Smith, and Kamele Lindsey

Best Recording by a Gospel Artist: Jonny Kamai

Best Recording by a Rhythm & Blues Vocalist: Justin Young

Best Recording by a Blues Vocalist: Marco Rosas

Best Recording by a Latin Vocalist: Sabrina

Best Recording by a Country Vocalist: Gordon Freitas

Best Recording by a World Music Artist: Bhavahari

Best Instrumental Hawaiian Artist: Ohana O Kauai

Best Recording by a Slack Key Artist: John Keawe

Best Compilation Album: John Valentine

Best Recording by an Island Music Vocalist (2): Ben Vegas and Damon Williams

Best Recording Contemporary Hawaiian Vocalist: Peter Moon

Best Recording Traditional Hawaiian Vocalist: Nolan Ha'o

Best Recording by an Island Artist (2): Cory Oliveros and Wayne Takamine

Best Recording Contemporary Hawaiian Artist (2): Angela Jensen and Walter "Waltah Boy" Tavares

Best Recording by a Jazz Vocalist: Michaelle Edwards

Best Recording by a Jazz Artist: Gabe Baltazar

Best Recording by a Rap Vocalist: Sudden Rush

Best Recording by a Rap Artist: Sudden Rush

Best Recording by a Pop Vocalist: Damon Williams

Best Recording by a Pop Artist (2): Bobby Baniaga and Lance Jyo

Best Recording by a Rock Vocalist: Rommell & Maacho

Best Recording by a Rock Artist (2): Surf Psycho Sexy and Tone Deaf Teens

Special Award: Tom Moffatt

Event of the Year: Pepsi Cola - Rolling Stones

Mayor's Performing Arts Award: Emme Tomimbang

Best Liner Notes (2): John Keoni Fujitani and Nightwing

Best Album Artwork: Chad Asuncion

Best Engineer (3): Pierre Grill, Gaylord Holomalia and Bob St. John

Producer of the Year (2): Todd Adamski and Aaron Kimura

Most Popular New Artist (2): Damon Williams and Justin Young

Album of the Year: Danny Couch