2011 Minnesota Black Music Awards

Posted by Danami on Jul 20, 2011 in Live Reviews, Reviews |

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Downtown Minneapolis was packed Friday July 15th with a swarm of people hanging out and headed to the Twins game. All this commotion didn’t slow down the energy at the 2011 Minnesota Black Music Awards (MBMA) held at the Pantages Theater. After a hiatus and returning last year, MBMA celebrated it’s 31st Anniversary and 20th award ceremony honoring national and local artists who are illustrating the Minneapolis sound. MBMA recognized Alexander O’Neal, Rhymesayers Entertainment, Irv Williams, The Bennett Family, Next and more. Guest performers included Toki Wright, Next, Auburn, More By Four, Kredentials, Alexander O’Neal, to name a few.

The event kicked off with the red carpet at 6pm right on Hennepin Ave. in front of the Pantages Theater. Cameras were flashing, women were beautifully strutting, and the men were dapper as ever. This was my first time attending and ever walking a red carpet. As I walked with one of the models onto the red carpet, multiple cameramen yelled, “Over here, look straight ahead, smile this way”. I was a little timid, but very excited. Downstairs in the Pantages Theater was the V.I.P. section which was was filled with enthused people. Food was catered and drinks were ready to be ordered. I found myself engaging in more pictures and conversation with artists from the area.

The presentation began at 8pm. Actor and singer T.Mychael Rambo was the host for the evening. His energy matched the crowd making the event that more fun to be at. The entire show was phenomenal. Even when there seemed to be a hick-up or unsure moment, it was either planned or avoided completely. This is how Toki Wright’s performance started. It seemed like Toki was meant to come onto the stage and receive an award, soon after the curtain pulled back revealing Toki with his DJ Reggie Reg ready to perform. The Bennett Family, Shirley Marie Graham, Ann Nesby, Jamecia & Paris brought down the house with their soulful voices that range over four generations. During the show, Bobby Joe Champion amongst other council men and women recognized the Northside of Minneapolis. A portion of the proceeds from the event would go the tornado victims and volunteers. Minneapolis native Auburn who signed a national record deal with Warner Bros. and Beluga Heights was proudly back home performing. Onstage with her was local dance group Immortal and together this performance entertain the audience as if it was at the Xcel Center. Next concluded the show with their hits “Too Close”, “Butterlove”, and “Wifely”. Their presence on stage showed they were delighted to perform in front of family which is Minnesota.

The Minnesota Black Music Awards is a well-established classy event that showcases R&B, Gospel, Hip-Hop and the community of the Minnesota. I look forward to attending next year’s event.

2011 MBMA Performers

MBMA Band Boom Box Music Group
Chantel SinG with Marqueax Davis, Laura Bell, and 2011 MBMA Emerging Artist Winner Ashley Dubose
Kredentials
Toki Wright
Darnell Davis and The Remnant
fDeluxe (formally “The Family)
Auburn
Bobby Lyle
The Bennetts
Next
Alexander O’Neal