Here's a few highlights and comments (photos coming):

Adam Donmoyer arrived in style in his tux and hosted the evening.
He was funny and quite entertaining.

Mark Ballard designed ASG's new logo and created all the awesome
certificates for our finalists and winners. They looked great.

Lealean Peace's "The Finger of God" dedicated to the victims for the Jarrell, TX tornado and all the people around the country who showed their generousity has to be one of the best heartfelt ballads I've heard in a while. In fact our grand prize judge, Gary Powell asked who the vocalist was and said he wanted to talk with him about doing some work. I bet soon, we're likely to announce more great news about Lealean.

Athala King drove all the way from Dallas to accept her prize, she placed second in the EZ/Jazz/ Instrumental Category. It was great to hear her music and see her smile. Especially since she's in the middle of chemo treatments for cancer. Please say a prayer for her and wish her health. She seems to have the happiness part down.

Kathy Street and Tommy Byrd's song close your eyes was just lovely.
Tommy is no stranger to ASG's AWARD podium.

The talented and lovely Matson Belle's song Splendid won ASG's pop category.
www.matsonbelle.com
She is new to Austin and is searching for a guitarist for her band.
She sent me the following email

From: fanmail@matsonbelle.com

Hello!

I have some gigs coming up at The Saxon Pub, Steamboat, and Stubbs
and I am lookng for immediate replacements for GUITAR and VIOLIN
immediately and I thought I would send word through this email list.

I was nominated for an American Music Award this year in the category "Best Independent Artist". I have been playing in LA for the last 4 years and just moved back to Austin 2 months ago. I am having a tough time finding great, young musicians who understand the vitality of work ethic and committment. I am looking for a GUITARIST and VIOLINIST/VIOLA(ambient/electronic style like Radiohead, Portishead, Bjork, and Moby) male, under 35, awesome stage presence, experienced, committed with the work ethic of a bull dog! This is not a "side project" or a "jam session". This is 100% the real deal! You can refer to my website at www.matsonbelle.com or email me at fanmail@matsonbelle.com

If you have friends of freinds of freinds who might qualify for this band please pass the word along!

Thanks everyone!
Matson Belle

I too think she's the real deal and expect to read great things about her.

Rick Jude's "Heaven or Hollywood" had the house rockin.

Country / Folk category had the most entries.
All three songs we're very well written and likely to get cut.

What a night!

Thanks to everyone who entered, our Judges, ASG's board members volunteers and our generous award sponsors.

Congratulations to all our finalists and winners!