BEACON Dance, plus Acme, Betty and Show Biz Kids, win Best of the Bay Awards

The Palladium was a winner in Creative Loafing’s 2016 Best of the Bay Awards. CL’s “Besties” were handed out Wednesday night at the Mahaffey.

 

Our new dance project – BEACON – was singled out for special recognition. Co-producers Helen Hansen French and Lauren Slone and BEACON were named. So were bands and musicians who are headed to our stage – Acme Jazz Garage (10-29) and Betty Fox (10-28). Plus Show Biz Kids –who were the stars of last week’s hit show at the Palladium – also won a “Bestie.”

 

Here’s what CL said:

 

Best Dance Duo – Helen Hansen French & Lauren Slone, BEACON Performance Series

 

The new contemporary dance series, BEACON, which debuted last fall at St. Pete’s Palladium Theatre, was the best news in years for local dance fans, particularly those on the Pinellas side of the bay. Co-founders French and Slone — savvy marketers and exquisite movers both — deserve our thanks. Even better news: There’s another BEACON program planned for January 13, which we’re told will include “the world premiere of a dance film created by Helen, in collaboration with more than 25 local artists from across all disciplines.” Palladium’s success in attracting audiences to its popular chamber music series bodes well for establishment of this new beacon for Tampa Bay dance. mypalladium.org. —David Warner

 

Best Jazz-Jam Fusion – Acme Jazz Garage

 

This quartet of vet jazz players (Matt Swenson, Bryan Lewis, Philip Booth and Tim Diehl) have been kicking out jams around town for the past five years. Acme Jazz Garage recently released a self-titled full-length, their first, which earned a glowing review in Relix magazine and showcases their brand of jazz-funk line-blurring and maintains their dynamic live appeal even with its impeccable production qualities. Add to that a super fine roster of guests

(including conga master Gumbi Ortiz, NYC-based sax master Jeremy Powell and jazz singer Whitney James) and you have one damn fine musical infusion. For tickets, call our box office at 727 822-3590 or follow this link.

 

Best (New) Tribute Band – Show Biz Kids

 

The 12-piece Steely Dan tribute band – Show Biz Kids – composed of venerated local musicians and helmed by keysman Phil Magallanes unleashed a few sets of material at their Ringside Café debut this past June. Each rendering proved damn near impeccable and was delivered with no shortage of reverence and musicality; Todd Plant channeled Donald Fagan with ease, Kirsten Joyer and Denise Moore backed him (and occasionally took over lead) with soulful harmonies, and the four-member horn section delivered the classy arrangements that brought the fine production qualities to life. We’re pleased to see Show Biz Kids has become a permanent project. steelydantributeband.com.  —Leilani Polk

 

Best Local Jazz Vocalist – Betty Fox

 

Even Betty, who is famous for her R&B, and soulful vocals, was surprised by this reader’s choice pick. She may not be a traditional jazz artist, but she is certainly deserving of an award. if you haven’t caught Betty Fox yet, she is at her best in our Side Door Cabaret. She’ll be here Friday, Oct. 28. For tickets, call our box office at 727 822-3590 or follow this link.