When his countrified rockabilly band shared a stage with Sheryl Crow at WE Fest 2007, a three-day camping and music festival in Minnesota, lead singer Andy Lubahn knew a certain trophy probably helped land them the gig.

At least, toting a few nods from the Wisconsin Area Music Industry didn’t hurt.
Lubahn’s group, Andy’s Automatics, is no stranger to recognition from the state’s version of the Grammy’s, as it’s been dubbed by many an Oshkosh musician. But when Weekend paid a call to the man behind songs like “Betty 5-0,” he hadn’t yet heard of the act’s 2008 nom for Best Americana/Rockabilly group.

“We went down two years ago and actually played (the WAMIs); this year we’ll probably have to attend because none of us went last year when we won,” Lubahn said, offering a raspy laugh.

On hearing his competition includes Neenah band blueheels, Lubahn was instantly revved up, and feeling generous.

“Really? Well, let it be known they’ve got my vote. That band is just phenomenal,” he said.

Sharing the love among musicians is part of the community aspect the WAMI awards invokes this time of year, as it readies to gather artists from all genres, from all across Wisconsin.

“I mean, it’s the one time of year all the bands can get together and hang,” Lubahn said. “It is your chance to see just about everybody in the state whose working hard playing music.”

Also getting a nod this time around are Oshkosh’s own Janet Planet (jazz artist/group), Road Trip (rock/pop), Scotty Meyer (reggae) and swamp-rock veterans Copper Box (roots, rock, Americana), who recently released new album “Need a Little Squeezin.’”

Lead singer Michelle Jerabek and crew got involved in WAMI about three years ago, and she said it’s been a prime way to network with the likes of area producers, other musicians and just trade insider info.

“To communicate with other bands and promoters is very important for the livelihood of our music, and music venues,” Jerabek said. “The industry’s been changing so much just in the last 10 years.”

Handfuls of Fox Valley favorites – such as Boxkar, Corey Chisel & The Wandering Sons, Fahrenheit 420 and The Wildbirds – also are up for awards in multiple categories for 2008. The fact that the Fox Valley Region tends to rake up noms is a good sign for the local scene, artists say.

“It’s hard to compare (WAMIs) to other states, since we don’t live anywhere else, but there’s certainly a music community in Wisconsin,” Jerabek said.

“And this is a lot of volunteers coming together to try and represent Wisconsin as a whole, to have some kind of recognition, which I think is important.”

For artists and music fans first making the trek to Milwaukee for the awards, expect a good show and to be entertained.

On tap to hit the WAMI stage Monday night is East Troy artist Chad James, Green Bay’s Fahrenheit 420, Appleton-based Funk Trunk, Brit-poppers Fever Marlene, reggae act Kojo and more.

Milwaukee artist Mandy Ellis and Waterfest favorite BoDeans also will be inducted into the WAMI Hall of Fame Class of 2008 this year.

“It’s pretty cool,” Lubahn said of the event. “They put a lot into it.”

Award categories and nominees: