This area showcases groups or individuals that have been honored for their Madison jazz contributions. More information about many of the winners can be found on the Band/Musician Registry. If you have additional information to add please make a comment or send it via the contact form.
Madison Jazz Personalities of the year
MAMA jazz winners
Isthmus Reader’s Poll Local Jazz Band
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Madison Jazz Personalities of the Year (selected by the Isthmus Jazz Festival)
2012: organizer/fundraiser Howard Landsman
2011: percussionist Tony Castaneda
2010: Jazz at Five’s Cathy Sullivan
2009: pianist Dave Stoler
2008: DJ Gary Alderman
2007: vocalist Gerri DiMaggio
2006: woodwinds Hanah Jon Taylor
2005: hotelier Cal Worrell
2004: apparently the award wasn’t given out this year
2003: woodwinds Les Thimmig
2002: vocalist Jan Wheaton
2001: educator Steve Sveum
2000: vocalist Kelly DeHaven
1999: former Civic Center Director Ralph Sandler
1998: bassist Dennis Oliver
1997: saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell
1996: educator Bill Endle
1995: the Madison Jazz Society’s Linda Marty
1994: saxophonist Bill Grahn
1993: bassist Richard Davis
1992: pianist/singer Ben Sidran
1991: keyboardist Joan Wildman
1990: trumpeter Doc DeHaven
1989: DJ Michael Hanson
1988: vocalist Dimetra Shivers
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MAMA jazz category winners (please help fill this in, names of song, albums, etc.)
2012
- Jazz Performer: The Madison Jazz Orchestra
- Jazz Song: The Big Payback – Overture
2011
- Jazz Album – Harmonious Wail – The Vegan Zombie’s Lament
- Jazz Performer – Harmonious Wail
- Jazz Song – Lucas Cates Band – “Crucial Tactics”
2010
- Jazz Album – Mama Digdown’s Brass Band – We Make ‘Em Say Ooh
- Jazz Performer – Harmonious Wail
- Jazz Song – Harmonious Wail – “The Vegan Zombie’s Lament”
2009
- Jazz Album – Harmonious Wail (Resist Temptation)
- Jazz Performer - The Blue Olives
- Jazz Song – Harmonious Wail (I Like to Feel My Bones)
2008
- Jazz Song – Clear Blue Betty
- Jazz Album – Harris Lemberg
- Jazz Artist – Randal Harrison
2007
- Jazz Song – Barb Cheron
- Jazz Album – The Bob Westfall Band
- Jazz Artist – Lynette
2006
- Jazz Song – Hanah Jon Taylor “ Free Will”
- Jazz Artist – Hanah Jon Taylor
2005
- Jazz Album – Lynnea Godfriaux & Brad Pregeant In Black & White (Gotta get Back to New Orleans)
- Jazz Artist – Hanah Jon Taylor
2004
- Jazz Album – Harmonious Wail
- Jazz Artist – Ladies Must Swing
Isthmus Reader’s Poll Local Jazz Band
2011
- Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz
- Harmonious Wail
- Alison Margaret Quartet
2010
- Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Sextet
- Harmonious Wail
- Ben Sidran
2009
- Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Sextet
- Harmonious Wail
- Tim Whalen Nonet
Sorry, Bob, but these “contests” are meaningless.
Music and art aren’t competition, and shouldn’t generate winners and losers. And let’s face it, everyone but one person will wind up a loser!
Anyone who follows a creative muse is doing something valid, whether they win awards or not.
Usually, though, it’s the ones who never won anything who were doing something truly worthwhile. Ever hear of The Gerards, The Corn Kings or Odd Girl Out? Some of my all-time favorite bands, and I can’t even find any of their recordings!
Please don’t take this as a slight to anyone in particular. Most bands don’t choose to be nominated in these contests, they just wind up there.
Plus, I feel better about myself and my drumming when I’m not comparing myself to others! (I must be a loser, eh?)