Second annual KZSM award show celebrates local artists

One of the most important events of the local music scene occurred last weekend, and just as the first, the second annual San Marcos Music Awards was a night to remember. The event was held at the Price Center where there were libations served to liven up the party. There were live performances throughout the night by Will Riley, Chief and TheDoomsDayDevice, Broken Arrow, Amber Elison and Loose Screws and Rusty Hearts.

“Thank you to all of our listeners at KZSM here in San Marcos, 104.1 and kzsm.org online. Thank you all for supporting,” said Justin James Bridges, local musician and KZSM radio host. “Look at all the amazing musicians and artists and community members supported and represented here. … We’ve got a show for y’all tonight. We have an amazing lineup of artists. We have amazing artists being celebrated all night. Just so y’all know, last year we had around 680 people vote on the final round. This year, we had 871.”

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award was Christopher Paul Cardoza. In an absolutely iconic moment, while accepting his award, the photographer turned the camera to the crowd to take a photo of the community, just as he always has. Cardoza also won the Golden Martian Award.

Best New Artist went to Loose Screws and Rusty Hearts as well as Best Country. Best Artist went to Our Last Daze as well as Best Rock and Best Live Performance. Best Singer/Songwriter went to Jack Henry. Best Classical went to the San Marcos High School Jazz Band, which was accepted by the Band Director Hector Ramirez. Best Blues went to Rock Bottom String Band. Best Funk went to Funkatron. Best Reggae went to Sugar Waves. Best Hip Hop went to Chief and TheDoomsDayDevice as well as Best DJ. Chief won a third award along with Kinder for Best Album for their collaboration on “Small Bites.” Best R&B went to The Hot Pipes. Best Latin went to Los Gatos 512. Best Pop went to The Trips as well as Best Single. Best Vocalist went to Will Riley. Best Producer went to David Beck. Best Promoter went to Listen San Marcos. Best Radio Personality went to KZSMs own Rob Roark, aka “The Wiz,” who had this to say about the station, “that’s what we build through our team — community.” Best Live Music Venue went to Tantra.

Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia was a presenter for the event and said she’s been around since KZSMs inception. She gave a shoutout to some of the board members, including Dave Newman and Roark and said she recalled how they worked hard to create the station over a decade ago by attending meetings, advocating to city council and recruiting sponsors. She applauded how far the station has come.

“We went from a small AM radio station to now an FM [station on] 104.1,” Rosas-Garcia said. “It’s taken years and years, and we wouldn’t be right here in this room tonight if it weren’t for some wonderful guys. And I really do think they need to be recognized for doing this in San Marcos.”