Tassie’s finest alive and kicking

THE cream of Tasmania’s live scene will rise to the top tonight, when the 2017 National Live Music Awards are handed out.

The winners in 54 different award categories will be announced at simultaneous events held across Australia tonight, recognising the country’s best musicians, venues, events and industry members.

All categories except the two People’s Choice Awards are voted on by a panel of judges. Nationally, Gang of Youths lead this year’s nominations with six, followed by Julia Jacklin, Amy Shark and Camp Cope with five each.

“While I’m sure some will debate the absent nominees who were just as deserving, I don’t think the judges could have done a better job at creating a more exciting, nor a more deserving and representative list of nominees,” NLMAs director Larry Heath said.

“These are the artists, venues, events and industry professionals who make Australia one of the live music capitals of the world.”

The Tasmanian awards will be presented in Launceston for the first time, with Club 54 to host an event from 6.30pm tonight featuring live performances by nominees Seth Henderson and EWAH & The Vision of Paradise, and Isla Ka (featuring nominee Mary Shannon).

Entry is free, if you’ve registered via www.oztix.com.au.

Otherwise, tickets are $5 at the door.

Nominees for Tasmanian awards:

LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR:

A. Swayze and The Ghosts Ani Lou EWAH & The Vision of Paradise The Sleepyheads Sumner

LIVE VOICE OF THE YEAR:

Emma Waters (EWAH) Maddy Jane Mary Shannon (Bansheeland) Seth Henderson Tyler Richardson (Luca Brasi)

LIVE VENUE OF THE YEAR:

The Brisbane Hotel Club 54 The Grand Poobah The Homestead The Republic Bar

LIVE EVENT OF THE YEAR:

A Festival Called Panama Dark MOFO Mona Foma Party In The Paddock ’Til The Wheels Fall Off