MetroPulse Stories: BOK 2010: Arts & Entertainment

Best Jazz Band: Donald Brown

neely@metropulse.com (Jack Neely) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

Originally from Memphis, East Tennessee’s best-known jazz pianist is a former member of Art Blakey’s legendary Jazz Messengers, with several albums of his own (hear Piano Short Stories) and has been a familiar figure in town for 20-odd years.

Best Concert Venue: Tennessee Theatre

neely@metropulse.com (Jack Neely) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

Kind of a shoo-in in this category, the Tennessee Theatre has won many times before. But it got more national attention in 2010 than it has in any calendar year in its 82-year history, except for maybe the night back in 1940 when Glenn Miller broadcast live there.

Best Radio Station: WUTK 90.3

Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

In 2005, when the University of Tennessee hired Benny Smith, a former WUTK deejay himself, to turn things around, 90.3 became one of the best-run college radio stations in the country, earning honors from numerous media outlets.

Best DJ: DJ Eric B

everettm@metropulse.com (Matthew Everett) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

Hot 104.5 FM’s DJ Eric B, fresh off a performance opening for Vanilla Ice in Maryville, throws a little bit of everything—house, techno, hip-hop, trance, even a little Queen and ZZ Top—into his mixtapes and live sets.

Best TV Personality: Robin Wilhoit (WBIR)

grayt@metropulse.com (Travis Gray) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

Robin wins year after year, but is she worth it? You betcha!

Best Americana Band: The Black Lillies

Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

Although the band’s success already seems to have reached a high point, with a new album in the works it appears that the Black Lillies are just starting to make their mark.

Best Gay Club: Carousel II and Club XYZ (tie)

neely@metropulse.com (Jack Neely) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

They tied. And why shouldn’t they? They both offer well-stocked bars and regular drag shows in interesting neighborhoods.

Best Radio Personality: Kris and Marisa (Love 89.1 WYLV)

Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

What’s a nice duo like you doing on a list like this? Kris Love (his real name, he swears) and Marisa Lykins have hosted mornings on Knoxville’s locally owned, independent Christian radio station since 2008. Their show, from 6 to 9 a.m. Monday to Friday, offers what Marisa describes as “encouraging, positive music and topics.”

Best Karaoke: Toots Little Honky Tonk

grayt@metropulse.com (Travis Gray) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

At Toots, an emotional “Wind Beneath My Wings” is just as cool as belting out the Ramones. Elvis is just as important as 311! In one night you can see an army guy, a party of bachelorettes, 25-year-olds and 65-year-olds, every karaoke cliché you could think of singing vastly different songs.

Best Blues Band: The Hector Qirko Band

everettm@metropulse.com (Matthew Everett) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:00:00 -0000

Nearly 25 years in—the HQ Band will celebrate its first quarter century together this summer—and they’re still at the top of the local blues scene.