So much incredible music has resonating throughout our Great Lakes Bay Region since the very first Review Music Awards Ceremony took place at Saginaw’s legendary and historic Fordney Hotel, which was the center-hub venue for a burgeoning regional musical scene that featured dozens of clubs on both Saginaw’s Hamilton Street & Bay City’s Midland Street Entertainment districts that were featuring live music six-nights per week.   

Over the years this event has traveled many halls & theatres throughout the Tri-cities; and on Sunday, April 22nd  from 5:00 PM – Midnight the public is welcomed to attend and celebrate the talents of hundreds of regional musicians at our 32nd Annual Review Music Awards Celebration at LumberBaron’s Brewery in their beautiful Genevieve Ballroom, which is located at 804 E. Midland Street in Bay City. Doors will open at 4:00 PM.

Yet, what remains eternally exciting for me personally, is the fact the music we value and honor with this annual celebration has reached and branched out in so many amazing directions, solidifying the stature of talent we are fortunate to feature and cultivate here in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

The ongoing strength of our regional music scene is indeed a miracle to behold, as it continues to register and set high standards for audiences throughout the world.  At our very first ceremony we featured one of the first performances by a then unknown GM worker named Larry McCray, the jazz band Silk (who’s member Felton Sparks actually did musical arrangements for the Tonight Show’s Doc Severinson; and The Mick Furlo Band, who were setting the pulse of original rock ‘n roll and also featured a drummer named Donny Brown, who later went on to international fame with The Verve Pipe. 

Meanwhile, only a few years ago we featured a then relatively unknown group called Greta Van Fleet, who within the past year have exploded on the international music scene, selling out venues spanning the globe minutes after their shows are announced, and being hailed as the future face of Rock ‘n Roll in well-known publications such as Rolling Stone, and Billboard.

This annual celebration is focused upon honoring the creative, talented and committed musical artists & individuals that cultivate the creative spirit and nurture the musical soul that defines and distinguishes the unique musical sound of our region.

Obviously, many changes have occurred and evolved in the Music Scene over the past 30 years; some good and some disappointing; but one thing that remains consistent is the need for artists to receive feedback and praise for the commitment and passion they invest into their creative endeavors, which is why this annual celebration was created as a means to invest them with a well-deserved recognition from both peers & fans.       

The Review Music Awards is the oldest and most unique ceremony of its kind in the Tri-cities, pre-dating and inspiring such offshoot endeavors as Saginaw On-Stage and The All Area Arts Awards. It is the only awards ceremony of its kind that connects people, audiences and artists together insofar as the public at large determines the honorees & recipients.

Moreover, realizing that music is about more than mere public acceptance, we have also assembled a panel of respected regional musical industry peers and reporters, to also present several Critic’s Choice Awards to honor those talents that have created works that may have slipped through the cracks of the broader consuming public.

The single purpose of this ceremony is to bring greater community, statewide, and national recognition to local talent, which we feel has a rich history of being one of the strongest in the state, and giving it the proper notoriety and attention that it deserves.

Guest personalities, cultural, and community leaders will assist in handing out awards the night of the ceremony, while a strong list of regional performers will headline this year’s show with live performances.

Tickets for this year’s 32nd Annual Review Music Awards are only $15.00 in advance, and $20.00 at the door, or you can purchase a block of six table tickets for $60.00.   

A dining menu will be available for all attending and advance tickets are now on sale at the following locations:

SAGINAW: Review Magazine, White's Bar, Records & Tapes Galore, Oppermann's Cork 'n Ale, The Listening Room, Bourbon & Co.

BAY CITY: Lumberbaron's Brewery/The Stables, Herter Music and Electric Kitsch.

MIDLAND: Boychuck's State Farm Insurance • Lil' Bighorn Music, Cork ‘n Ale, and Radio Wasteland.

Tickets are also available online through EVENTBRITE.com

32nd Annual Review Music Awards Schedule & Itinerary

4:00 – 5:00 PM – Video Highlights • Journey Through the Past  

A retrospective of musical history in the making that spans performance highlights and special moments from the past 30 years of The Review Music Awards.

5:00 - 5:10 PM – Opening Remarks

Review Magazine Publisher & Editor Robert E. Martin welcomes nominees and attendees and recaps the voting procedure utilized for this year’s celebration.

5:10 – 5:40 PM • The Jim Pagel Trio.

Previously winners of the Best Jazz Small Combo honor at our 29th RMA ceremony, this trio performs a rare genre of music knowns as ‘Gypsy Jazz’. Consisting of lead guitarist Jim Pagel, rhythm guitarist  Todd Bethune, and bassist Drew Slavik, the sound of Gypsy Jazz is shaped largely by the visionary guitarist Django Reinhardt, who used acoustic aural tapestries and instrumental precision to convey deeper emotional power into melodic lines than lyrics alone can convey.

5:40 – 5:55 PM • Jazz Awards

Best Jazz Video • Best Jazz Songwriter • Favorite Jazz Club • Best Male Vocalist • Best Jazz Musician • Best Small Combo • Best Big Band

SINGER/SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

5:55 – 6:20 PM • Winaschnitzel

This original two-piece acoustic act of Shannon & Steven Schnettler were destined to create music and invite you into a world where creation is infinite. With an impressive array of original and highly inventive material, they describe their sound as ‘Progressive Acoustic Boomage’ and cite influences ranging from Steven Wilson to My Morning Jacket, The Deftones, and Radiohead.

6:20 – 6:45 PM • Alex Kostka

Alex Kostka is a singer-songwriter from Bay City who describes his sound as honest and straightforward. “I like to think that my sound and songs can make you feel better and comfortable with yourself. That goes for any situation you may be in - different paths taken compared to others, life struggles, still figuring out what you want in life.”

6:45 – 7:05 PM • Miscellaneous Awards

Best New Artist of the Year • Best Band Website • Best Duo • Best Solo Artist • Best Music Video • Best Videographer • Best Radio Station • Best Music Festival • Best Live Event of the Year

7:05 – 7:35 PM • Marsupial Creampie

Consisting of Andy Hahn (vocals, trumpet, Kazoo); Amelia Jo (vocals, acoustic guitar) Terry Poirier (percussion) and Lennard Zimmerman (electric guitar), and hailing from all corners of the musical globe, Marsupial Creampie bring elements of a variety of musical genres together, throw them into the pouch, and up with creamy Electro-Acoustic Reggae jams guaranteed to get you hoppin’

7:35 – 7:50 PM • Country Awards

Best Country Video • Favorite Country Club • Best Country Musician • Male Country Vocalist • Female Country Vocalist • Country Songwriter • Best Band

7:50 – 8:15 PM • Rustbucket

Led by the driving vocals and melodic original songwriting by Mid-Michigan musical legend John Krogman and aided by lead guitarist John VanBenschoten, bassist Jim Spaulding, and drummer Scott Causley, Rustbucket mixes numerous musical influences, ranging from classic Neil Young and timeless Rock ‘n Roll constructions with Americana and Country undertones to create a driving and compelling sound entirely their own.

8:15 – 9:35 PM • Misc. Awards Continued

Best Videographer • Best Folk Band or Duo • Best CD Release • Best Concert Album or Project • Most Innovative Artist • Best Sound Technician • Best Waitress • Best Bartender • Best Recording Studio

8:35 – 9:15 PM • The Savior Machines

From the ashes of ‘Radio Therapy’ rises The Savior Machines, who consist of Robin Atha (guitar & vocals); John Cashman (drums)/vocals; former Banana Convention bassist Sean Drysdale; and the legendary Mick Furlo (guitar/vocals). Currently they are busy recording an album at Reed Recording Company to be released this fall.

9:10 – 9:30 PM • Blues Awards

Best Funk Band • Best Blues Club • Blues Songwriter • Female Blues Vocalist • Male Blues Vocalist • Blues Instrumentalist • Best Blues Band

9:30 – 10:00 PM • Monique Ella Rose Band

Monique Ella Rose is a singer/songwriter whose style blends with Soul, R&B, Blues, Jazz & Funk. She is quickly earning a reputation as one of Michigan's most exciting new talents. Born in Saginaw, raised in Detroit she was immersed in music at a very young age. Voted ‘Best Female Jazz Vocalist’ at last year’s 30th Review Music Awards, she released her first single, "Move On" in 2014. Her second single, "Hustle & Grind" was released later that year on her label, Soul Blend. "Rather being placed in any genre, I consider my music to be life music. That may come out sounding like funk one moment, classic R&B the next or even gospel. I write and sing what I feel."  She was honored at last year’s Review Music Awards as the ‘Best Female Jazz Singer’.

10:00 – 10:15 PM • Rock Awards

Favorite Rock Club • Rock Female Vocalist • Rock Male Vocalist • Rock Drummer • Rock Bassist • Rock Keyboardist • Rock Guitarist • Rock Songwriter • Best Rock Video • Best Rock Band

10:15 – 10:45 PM • Everyday Ghost

Previous nominees and winners of several RMA’s in an earlier incarnation, Everyday Ghost is a heavy melodic group with thought provoking lyrics, heavy guitar riffs, shredding solos, and a groove that will lock you right into the moment.  With a musical style that is reminiscent of Seattle Rock, they will perform a variety of their originals, including songs from their recently released collection of original material.

10:45 – 11:00 PM • Hip Hop Awards & The Final Four

Best DJ • Best Mixtape/Release • Best Producer • Best Performer • Best Promoter • Rap Hip/Hop Artist of the Year • Best Rap Hip-Hop Video • Best Songwriter • Best Alternative Band • Best Metal Band • Best Original Band • Best Variety Band

11:00 – 11:45 PM • Play to the Gallery

Formed in 2013, this Saginaw based band describes their music in a mix of industrial and mystical terms, bringing together elements of ‘steampunk’, ‘post-punk’ and danceable modern rock sounds. Their live performances are true musical ‘theatre’, as each member adopts a costume and stage-persona that mirrors their role. Christopher Lewis becomes The Barker, while bandmates Stephen Warrington II is The Conjurer, Kurt Schade morphs into The Gadgeteer, Matt Hill transforms into The Professor and Abbey Gradowski completes the combo as The Stargazer.

Nominees

Here are the nominees for the 32nd Annual Review Music Awards. During both the nominating and final voting round a total of 1025 nominees were submitted, with a total number of 7388 votes cast.  The total number of nominees in each division is listed beneath each category and the top five nominees that moved to the final round are listed here, with the exception of instances in which there was a tie for the fifth place of a particular division. Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 22nd at the 32nd Review Music Awards at Lumber Barons in Bay City.

Jazz

Jazz Songwriter

(Nominees: 13)

Mike Brush

Scott Vandell

Bryan Rombalski

James Besaw

Alison Scott

Favorite Jazz Club

(Nominee : 4)

Bancroft Wine .& Martini Bar

VNO Wine Warehouse

Indigo Venue

Whites Bar

Best Male Jazz Vocalist

(Nominees: 4)

Mike Brush

Joe Balbaugh

Matt de Heus

Mike Brush

Female Jazz Vocalist

(Nominees: 10)

Madison Beson

Alisha Wisniewski

Kristine Goodwin

Kim Roberts

Monique Ella Rose

Best Jazz Musician 

(Nominees: 16)

Alison "Bub" Scott

Joe Balbaugh

Bryan Rombalski

Todd Bethune

Jacob Wisenbach

Best Small Combo

(Nominees: 12)

Jim Pagel Jazz Trio

Monique Ella Rose Band

Bryan Rombalski & Three Worlds

The Straight Eights

The Standard Session

Best Big Band

(Nominees: 4)

Baytown Big Band

New Reformation

The Ugly Sweaters

The Standard Session

Miscellaneous

Best New Artist of the Year

(Nominees: 23)

The Dirty Shames

Here After Six

Bianca Henika

Tana Michaels

Melissa Lee

Jennifer Naegele

Best Band Website

(Nominees: 18)

www.DonaldBenjaminOfficial.com

www.EverydayGhost.com

www.melissamayandbriancoonan.com

www.tweedanddixie.com

The Mongrels

Best Duo

(Nominees: 27)

Donald Benjamin & Curt Cornell

Rick-tones

Melissa May & Brian Coonan

Winaschnitzel

Short 'n' Sweet

Best Solo Artist

(Nominees: 32)

Randy Badour

Donald Benjamin

Aaron Johnson

Jennifer Naegele

Carrie Westbay

Best Music Video

(Nominees: 12)

Letter to Heaven - Here After Six

Antidote - Everyday Ghost

"I Choose the Whiskey" - Donald Benjamin

Marxfest Documentary (Jeff O'Deay)

The President’s House - Kris Pride 

(Videographer: Kari Helm)

Best Videographer

(Nominees: 12)

Matt Giddings "Shakymedia"

Matt Brown - First Matter

Nich Gadille

Kari Helm

Jeff O'Deay 

(Marxfest Documentary)

Best Radio Station

(Nominees: 13)

Delta College 90.1 

WUCX 94.5 The Moose

98KCQ

Kiss 107.1 FM

Z 93

Best Music Festival

(Nominees: 15)

Crowded Couch Events

A Night In June Acoustic Music Festival

Hamilton Street Bash

Marxfest

Patchwork Festival

Best Live Event of the Year

(Nominees: 16)

Band Roulette

Blues on the Beach

Hamilton Street Bash

Marxfest (Whites Bar)

Parmalee at the Temple

Best Folk Band or Duo

(Nominees: 18)

Donald Benjamin & Curt Cornell

Melissa May & Brian Coonan

Rick-tones

Songbirds

Winaschnitzel

Best CD Release

(Nominees: 18)

Holy Water - The Barbarossa Brothers

"Southbound 75" - Donald Benjamin

Chickadee with a Little Jet Lag – 

Jennifer Naegele

Fireset - Everyday Ghost

Tweed and Dixie EP

Best Concert/Album or Project

(Nominees: 14)

Band Roulette

Barbarossa Brothers - Holy Water

Frankenmuth Concerts in the Park

Marxfest (Whites Bar)

Jim Pagel Trio w/ Joscho Stephan

Most Innovative Artist

(Nominees: 21)

Donald Benjamin

Michael Gonzalez

Aaron Johnson

Pete Metropoulos "Rocktropolis"

Andy Reed

Best Sound Technician

(Nominees: 15)

Robyn Bailey-Grimsley

Carey Limberg

Pat Manke

Mike Mitchell

Wally Sleeper

Best Recording Studio

(Nominees: 3)

Fire Hyena Studios

Reed Recording Co.

Hott and Bothered Productions

Best Waitress

(Nominees: 15)

Ariana Alvarado at VNO

Kristen Avram (Whites)

Angela Box at Willew

Jena Windiate (Tri City Brewing)

Jill (pez) at Willew Lounge

Best Bartender

(Nominees: 28)

Sarah Bickham – Chet’s Corner Bar

Strez - The Hamilton St Pub

Angela Box

Jeremy Pomeroy - Chet's Bar

Kristen Avram (Whites Bar)

Country

Best Country Video

(Nominees: 2)

"I Choose the Whiskey" – 

Donald Benjamin

Alan Turner – 

Windows and Mirrors

Favorite Country Club

(Nominees: 11)

Big D’s Bar and Grill

The Stables

Tool Shed

Whites Bar

Willew Lounge

Best Country Musician 

(Instrumentalist)

(Nominees: 25)

Curt Cornell

Rico Gonzalez

Billy Gunther

Arlyn Willett

Joshua James

Jon Potrykus

Country Female Vocalist

(Nominees: 15)

Amanda Beson

Jen Cass

Mandi Layne

Laurie Middlebrook

Mary Thomas (aka: MaryOke)

Country Male Vocalist

(Nominees: 23)

Steve Armstrong

Donald Benjamin T

odd Felske

Jon Potrykus

Arlyn Willett

Country Songwriter

(Nominees: 19)

Donald Benjamin

Barry Forster

Jen Cass & The Lucky Nows

Greg Kevorkian / Mandi Layne

Jeff Walikangas

Best Country Band

(Nominees: 23)

Kin Faux

Donald Benjamin Band

Steve Armstrong & the 

25 Cent Beer Band

Tweed and Dixie

Taylor Tucky

Blues

Favorite Blues Club

(Nominees: 3)

Bemo's

Scotty's Sandbar

Whites Bar

Blues Songwriter

(Nominees: 13)

Tim Avram

Barbarossa Brothers

Joshua James

Larry McCray

Bob Wall

Female Blues Vocalist

(Nominees: 14)

Luann Ervin

Monique Ella Rose

Mary Thomas (aka: MaryOke)

Melissa ‘Mel’  Curry

Kim Roberts

Male Blues Vocalist

(Nominees: 13)

Matt Besey

Joshua James

Joe Balbaugh

Larry McCray

Drew Pentkowski

Blues Instrumentalist

(Nominees: 13)

Bob Hausler

Jaron Jock

Larry McCray

Scott Vandell

Joe Stanley

Best Funk Band

(Nominees: 3)

Soul XPress

The Temper Padics

Ransom Band

Best Blues Band

(Nominees: 14)

Barbarossa Brothers

Hedgerow

Blues Mobile

Larry McCray Band

23 North

Rock

Favorite Rock Club

(Nominees: 17)

Bemo's

Hamilton St. Pub

The Loft

Whites Bar

Wil-Lew Lounge

Female Rock Vocalist

(Nominees: 20)

Honesty Elliot

Melissa May

Jennifer Naegele

Izzy Rose

Mary Thomas (aka: MaryOke)

Male Rock Vocalist

(Nominees: 35)

Aaron Blick

Lucas Christenson

Andy Hahn

Justin Miscikoski

Jake Priest 

Rock Drummer

(Nominees: 31)

John Cashman

Eleu Lopez

Mike Sylvester

Bryan Tasior

Michael Wilson

Rock Bassist

(Nominees: 31)

Joe Balbaugh

Nate Brookman

David Nordstrom

Ameer Pore'

Kirk Monore

Rock Keyboardist

(Nominees: 22)

Abbey Gradowski

Bianca Henika

Stephanie Noel

Jeff Ott

Les Wilder

Rock Guitarist

(Nominees: 41)

Robert Atha

Levi Elder

Levi Johnson

Eric Mulholland

Spence McDonell

Best Rock Songwriter

(Nominees:  27)

Lucas Christenson 

Jake Priest 

Greta Van Fleet

Justin Miscikoski

Aaron Blick

Best Rock Video

(Nominees: 13)

A Silver Lining - Don't Let Me Down

Handsome Pete - Bright Light

Here After Six- Letter to Heaven

Greta Van Fleet - Highway Tune

Best Rock Band

(Nominees: 37)

A Silver Lining

Damned by Dawn

Handsome Pete

Here After Six

The Savior Machines

Rap/Hip Hop

Best Mixtape / Release

(Nominees: 2)

Chase Passion

Doe Massino

Best Rap/Hip Hop Video

(Nominees: 2)

Chase Passion

Doe Massino

Best Promoter

(Nominees: 3)

Michael Gonzalez

D Rage

Redburn

Best Producer

(Nominees: 11)

Astray

Michael Pruitt

D Rage

Raul "Double R" Rosales

Kevin Quoss

Best Performer

(Nominees: 14)

Astray

Killa B`

Doe Massino

AM Crew

Mike Spitz

Best DJ

(Nominees: 14)

Mary Thomas (aka: MaryOke)

Mike Dennison

Khard

Redburn

Mr. Goob

Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Year

(Nominees: 14)

Chase Passion

Astray

Killa B

Doe Massino

Mike Spitz

Best Rap/Hip Hop Songwriter

(Nominees: 15)

Chase Passion

Astray

Killa B

Mike Spitz

Rair Jordan

Rxsh

Doe Massino

The Final Four

Best Metal Band

(Nominees: 15)

Crazy Babies

Everyday Ghost

Legend Scroll

The Mongrels

Polychromic

Best Alternative Band

(Nominees: 16)

Barbarossa Brothers

Carrie & The Wayward Sons

Marsupial Creampie

Songbirds

Play to the Gallery

Best Variety Band

(Nominees: 25)

Carrie & the Wayward Sons

Tweed and Dixie

The Sinclairs Band

Marsupial Creampie

Mama Mokey and the Smokey Lynx

Best Original Band

(Nominees: 32)

Donald Benjamin Band

Carrie & The Wayward Sons

Greta Van Fleet

Here After Six

Tweed and Dixie