SN&R’s 2018 Music Issue: The Winners

The musical diversity of the artists and bands represented in our 2018 Music Issue is no surprise—our 26 categories reflect the broad range of contemporary popular music.

What is surprising—mind-blowing, really—is that Sacramento, at this moment, is producing so much high-quality music of so many kinds.

For 26 years now, SN&R has documented the local music scene as it has evolved and, for the most part, grown. And, of course, there was a vibrant scene long before we got here.

The artists in these pages are part of a proud Sacramento history.

As many of you know, there are a bunch of deserving local artists and bands who chose not to be in these pages—they are boycotting this year’s SAMMIES. Most of these folks have been involved in years past, and I trust and sincerely hope all of them will be back.

To the winners: Congratulations. We know you worked hard to get here, and we’re glad you did.

The winners:

Artist of the Year - Jessica Malone

Creative Achievement In Support Of The Music Scene - Girls Rock Sacramento

Blues -The Zach Waters Band

Country/Americana/Alt-Country - Amanda Gray

Cover Band/Tribute Band - Steelin’ Dan

Deejay - Dj Essence

Electronica/Experimental - So Much Light

Emcee - Mozzy

Folk/Bluegrass - Marty Cohen & the Sidekicks

Funk - Joy and Madness

Hard Rock - California Riot Act

Hardcore/Industrial/Post-Hardcore - Something Heartfelt

Hip-Hop/Rap - Lil Darrion

Indie - Flight Mongoose

Jazz - City Of Trees Brass Band

Live Performer - Peter Petty

Metal - Chrch

Music Video - Exiled From Grace

New Artist - Leigh Vaughnn

Producer Of The Year - Matt Thomas

Punk/Post-Punk - The Moans

R&B/Soul - Levi Moses

Reggae/Jam - Island Of Black And White

Release Of The Year - A Lot Like Birds

Rock - The Ghost Town Rebellion

Rockabilly - Frankie and the Defenders

Singer-Songwriter - Jessica Malone

Teen - Knockout

World Music - Yolo Mambo