Do the robot

The 2011 Sammies Block Party & Music Awards winners get ink, bragging rights—and an android trophy

This article was published on 10.06.11

Autumn Sky was first to perform at the 2011 Sammies Block Party & Music Awards—and she took home the most awards (two).
Photo By Steven Chea

Find out more for the 2012 Sammies—21 years, finally legal!—at www.sammies.com.

Mad Flows stage dove. Then crowd surfed. Downtown James Brown rushed the stage for a shimmie. The Nibblers unleashed the largest dance party 20th Street has ever seen. The Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet and Exquisite Corps had everyone shivering in awe as the sun set. Sleeprockers and the Grant High School Drumline probably set a Guiness Record for sick beats per minute. Autumn Sky’s band proved that they’re ready for the next level. J.R. from Zuhg proved that he’s got a squirrel’s energy. Zuhg’s Bryan Nichols smashed a guitar! And Tiny Tim the Breaker back-flipped like no one’s business.

So go the highlights from last Saturday’s Sammies Block Party & Music Awards, the 20th anniversary of this paper’s Sacramento Area Music Awards.

Autumn Sky and Zuhg were the big winners of the evening, bringing home two awards each. Congrats to everyone—winners, nominees, music lovers, who showed up by the thousands. The local music scene proved last night that it can hold it’s own when it comes to drawing big crowds, throwing sweet parties and performing unforgettable sets that will have people talking for days.

And so, the winners:

Hall of Fame

Anton Barbeau
Hoods
Instagon
DJ Larry Rodriguez
DJ CrookOne

Americana/Alt-Country

The Nickel Slots, www.thenickelslotsmusic.com

Artist of the Year

Autumn Sky, www.facebook.com/autumnskymusic

Country/Blues

The Golden Cadillacs, www.thegoldencadillacs.com

Cover Band

Steelin’ Dan: A Tribute to Steely Dan, www.steelindan.com

Dance Night