AUSTIN, Texas – Despite the cancellation of SXSW just days prior, the festival’s pre-cursor celebration went on as planned Wednesday at the 38th Annual Austin Music Awards. 

The ceremony was hilariously co-hosted by 2019’s “Best Guitarist” winner, Jackie Venson, and local comedian Chris Cubas. Constant humor from the duo and lively performances by several of the night’s winners kept the mood alive throughout the two-and-a-half-hour show. 

The Austin Music Awards are given every year to the winners of The Austin Chronicle’s Music Poll. The public chooses their favorite act from 50 categories within the local music industry. Gary Clark Jr. took home the most awards of the night after winning the categories of Best Blues, Best Guitar, Best Musician, Best Album and Best Song of the Year. Although he wasn’t at the ACL Live Moody Theater in time to accept his awards, he arrived just in time to celebrate at the event’s open after-party. 

The Well performs at the Austin Music Awards. (Tara Petitt/Spectrum News)

This year’s Townes Van Zandt Award for Songwriting was bestowed upon co-writing couple Bill and Ruth Ellsworth Carter. Producer and songwriter Tamara Saviano was recognized with the Margaret Moser Award for her impactful role upon the Austin music scene. Black Pumas were named Band of the Year, Sir Woman was the people’s choice for Best New Act, and the Mayor’s Band included this year’s best musician winners- Lolita Lynne on Bass, JJ Johnson on Drums, Emily Gimble on Keyboards and Tameca Jones on Vocals. Mayor Steve Adler presented the Hall of Fame Award to Carolyn Wonderland.

Among the highlights of this year’s event, Venson stole the show after she returned from a surprise costume-change wearing a hazmat suit. After fears of the AMAs being cancelled from the threat of COVID-19, a light-hearted joke about the unfortunate circumstances was welcomed by the hurting local music community.

Texas legends Charlie Sexton, Bill Carter, Jack Ingram, Michael Ramos, JJ Johnson and several other AMA Veterans took the stage and gave unforgettable performances throughout the night. Winner of Best Hip-Hop, Blackillac, helped Kelsey Wilson, Tamemca Jones, Big Wy’s Horns and the Mayor’s Band close out the show with enough energy to keep us awake till next year.

Kathy McCarty and Rich Brotherton perform at the Austin Music Awards. (Tara Petitt/Spectrum News)