AthFest kicked off in Athens last night with the Flagpole Music Awards. The 3 day festival has become more comparable to SXSW every year with additions of stages sponsored by record labels, blogs such as the Aquarium Drunkard and promoters. In addition to the 173 bands that are playing, this year’s Athfest will feature films, a music seminar, a kids area and their usual compilation CD.
Here are the winners of the Flagpole Music Awards
- Electronic:Â Immuzikation
- Jazz:Â Half Dozen Brass Band
- World:Â DubConscious
- Jam/Funk: Widespread Panic
- Experimental:Â Diet Rock Star
- Hip Hop/Rap:Â Deaf Judges
- Roots/Americana:Â Packway Handle Band
- Country: Kaitlin Jones and the County Fair
- Rock:Â Dead Confederate
- Pop: Modern Skirts
- Punk/Hardcore:Â American Cheeseburger
- Metal:Â Harvey Milk
- Tribute Band:Â Ziggy Stardust
- Solo Performer: Madeline
- Upstart of the Year:Â The Incredible Sandwich
- Best Live Band: Of Montreal
- Music Video: Hope For Agoldensummer: “4th Night,” Dir. by Jason Miller
- Album Cover Art:Â Modern Skirts: All of Us in Our Night
- Best Album:Â Bloodkin: Baby They Told Us We’d Rise Again
- Band/Performer of the Year:Â Widespread Panic