Voting Is Underway For 2nd Annual Jersey Acoustic Music Awards

(ASBURY PARK, NJ -- FEBRUARY 12, 2011) -- New Jersey's vibrant acoustic music scene takes center stage once again with the 2nd Annual Jersey Acoustic Music (JAM) Awards. Winners will be named during a full night of music on Saturday, March 12 at 5pm at the Lutheran Atonement Church located at 308 First Avenue in Asbury Park.  Awards for 13 different categories will be presented in between performances by many of the state's top acoustic artists. Acoustic music fans are encouraged to vote for their favorites artists from now until February 24.  Ballots are available in five locations within Monmouth and Ocean County including the Twisted Tree Cafe (Asbury Park), Green Planet Coffee (Point Pleasant), Village Coffee (Neptune), Espresso Joe's (Keyport), and The Saint (Asbury Park). 

"The JAM Awards was created to acknowledge and thank the many singer/songwriters in New Jersey who often perform at many of the small acoustic venues," explained Sonny Han, co-owner of Espresso Joe's.  "These artists are sometimes overlooked or 'under the radar' but there is no doubt that they are great artists who deserve recognition for all their work and artistic talents. I wanted to create an event whereby we can witness most of them on one evening."

Artists scheduled to perform include George Wirth, Beannacht, Matt Kay, Anjelia Pelay, Keith Monacchio, Cat Cosentino, Michael Brett, Don Lee, Kacie Baker, Bobby Strange, Dan DeFonza, Whitney Kelly, Sheli Aarden, Jim Crawford, Jenny Woods, we are., Michael Dante Summonte, and Mikey Butler.  The show will be hosted by musician Anton Daub.
 
"I think these awards mean a lot to the coffeehouse scene because they are a true who's who of people actually playing acoustic music in and supporting the local coffeehouses in Central NJ," said Michael Brett.  "It's completely drama-free and a very supportive environment where all egos are left at the door."

A committee of venue owners, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals choose the list of nominees and the winners are chosen by a mix of public voting (worth 50%) and committee votes (the remaining 50%). While JAM is currently concentrated on the acoustic music scene based along the Jersey Shore, its goal is to expand throughout the entire state and create an "acoustic music community" of singer/songwriters.  JAM plans to expand its range year after year.

"We hope on March 12th and in the coming months and years that more people get a chance to see and hear all the nominated artists and all the artists for that matter who perform week after week, month after month at all the acoustic venues," added Han. "We hope it will give them the recognition they deserve and inspire current and new artists to master their craft, open more avenues for artists, and help build a bigger art community in New Jersey."

Admission to the 2nd Annual Jersey Acoustic Music Awards show is $8, which includes food (pasta, meatballs, sausages, and salad) and drinks (coffee, tea). Attendees are free to bring beer or wine if they wish.