By Josh Lyford

Main Street was awash with light from the Palladium billboard April 10, heralding Pulse Magazine’s Worcester Music Awards throughout the city’s downtown. DJ Reckless took the stage to kick things off, tearing through his set of diversified pop, classic rock and hip-hop. The upbeat mashup of music provided a perfect backdrop as people began to step up to the bar and prepare for an evening of music appreciation, enjoyment and fun.

For years, the Worcester Music Awards have been a great way for area musicians and talent to garner recognition for their hard work and dedication. This year was no different, and The Palladium added a certain rock ’n’ roll to the evening, giving a rock-club vibe to the evening.

After DJ Reckless’ set, Mark Veau, of WXLO and WORC-FM, stepped up to the podium to welcome attendees to the Worcester Music Awards. Veau did a standout job presenting throughout the night, obviously enjoying himself. He utilized a perfect combination of humor and class, which was exactly what the event called for. Not to say that he didn’t have any help ~ Amanda Curry, one of Pulse’s 2013 Sexiest Bartenders, did a fantastic job spicing up the ceremony.

After the welcoming address, Massachusetts country artist Ashley Jordan took the stage. Jordan and company did an incredible job performing their hometown brand of folksy pop-country. When she took the stage, the house was packed and everyone ready to soak in some live music. Jordan herself has a fantastic voice, and her band was flawless. It isn’t very often you get to hear a cello and a violin being shredded at the Palladium, and their too-short set was appreciated.

In fact, the entire selection of musicians was superb. Andy Cummings and his Swingabilly Lounge performed their specific style of Americana by way of surf, jazz, swing and rock. A bit later, Day One stepped up to keep the tempo and certainly did not disappoint. A hip-hop collective of sorts, the group had the energy of a wild tiger, rendering it impossible to take your eyes off of the stage. The MCs were lively, and the lyricism was second to none. It’s always a treat to see hip-hop backed with a talented live band; the guitar leads throughout were certainly appreciated. Kung Fu Grip rounded out the night and made perfect sense for the tail end of the evening. Its blend of pop-punk, rock and alternative covers, including a great Jimmy Eat World cover, suits them well, and the band did a great job of making sure no one will soon forget the festivities.

With categories ranging from Best Musical Act to Best Live Venue and Sexiest Musician, everything was covered here. There were plenty of repeat winners and some new surprises, as well. A Ton of Blues, for instance, took the Best Blues/R&B Act award for the third year running.

“It was just as cool the third time around as it was the first time,” reflected A Ton of Blues’ Scott Leblanc on the award trifecta. “It really just solidifies it for us; everyone here works really hard and has a fan base and they know how to mobilize it. It’s great.”

One of the evening’s performers, Ashley Jordan, took home two awards. “I am shocked,” Jordan said. “Shocked and amazed. I mean, there was so much talent! I came back from the performance and there was one [award], and I couldn’t believe it. Two? I am blown away.”

One of the highlights was definitely Tony Tester, of Tester, and his colorful on-stage commentary. It was certainly a sight to see the room cheer as he declared, “We aren’t here to go home yet people. Let’s rock!”

Perhaps the most important award of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given to a member of the community who has shown a lifetime dedicated to growing the central Massachusetts music scene and who has put the community and music first, time after time. This year, the award was bestowed posthumously to Scott Ricciuti, who tragically passed away in April 2012. The award was accepted by Ricciuti’s best friend, Roger Lavallee, who said, “I can’t even begin to describe what Scott has given us. He was a beautiful human being.”

Ricciuti was a great musician and beloved friend to many, playing a huge part in the Worcester music scene, performing with Huck and Pistol Whipped, as well as performing solo. He has been described as the type of person who would always put others first, garnering appreciation and respect from local musicians.

The entire evening was something special and will certainly be remembered by all of those in attendance, unless a few too many Pabst Blue Ribbons were enjoyed, and it held something for everyone. The ideals of the Worcester community were a running theme, and there is something about seeing such a diverse group of people come together for one night, relating over music and togetherness, that seems to put everything in perspective. The Worcester Music Awards captured that with an awards ceremony that sets out to bring the community together for something we can all appreciate ~ great music that comes from our own backyard.

To check out who won at The Worcester Music Awards, click here.

The Worcester Music Awards were sponsored by Budwiser, The Palladium, Immedia, Union Music, Celestial Effects, Vero Concepts, JLS Design, Music Go Round, Kurlan Music Center, City Music, Perry Studios, 104.5 WXLO, 100 FM The Pike and 98 WORC-FM.