AWARDS DINNER, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT SONS OF HERMANN HALL

Buck Morgan and Dicky Johnson

DSA Members, song contest semifinalist, parents and friends gathered in the bowling alley at the Sons of Hermann Hall for Christmas Ham buffet, performances, and awards on December 9th at 7PM. Founding President Emeritus and current Song Contest Director, Barbara McMillen, welcomed members and visitors alike to kick off the ceremonies and introduced the first semifinalist performance by Dickey Johnson (Sugar Daddy and the M and M's)who played Hold Me,  Where Peaceful Rivers Flow, One More Night and To Touch You Once Again with Mary Hestand  & Mary Guthrie.
 Barbe introduced former DSA President and current PR Director, Buck Morgan, to award the Americana category. Dickey Johnson was present to accept the 3rd Place certificate.

Katie Riley

See the list of the awards presented in each category.

 Buck introduced semifinalist, Katie Riley, who performed Isaiah's Song. Barbe announced the winners of the Christian Inspirational category and then announced semifinalist Rio King, who performed his songs Hide N Watch, Honky Tonk Shrink and Turtle Bait.

Rio King

 Barbe introduced DSA Executive Vice President, Bobby Montgomery, who announced the winners of the country category. Bobby then introduced semifinalist James Bennett who performed Something Just Clicks.

Jim Bennett

Michael Brandenberger and James Bennett

Bobby introduced DSA President, Michael Brandenberger, who announced the winners in the Instrumental and Love Songs/Easy Listening categories.  Michael awarded James Bennett a check for $50, a certificate and a DSA membership for 2nd Place in the Love Songs?Easy Listening category.

Michael introduced semifinalist Emma Walsh,  who performed No Day Like Today.

Victoria Celestine

Barbe stepped to the podium again to announce the winners of the Novelty/Childrens category and introduced semifinalist, Victoria Celestine, who performed Alive and Homework .

Following the performance, Barbe introduced Director of AnR, Harry Hewlett, who announced the Pop/Rock category winners. Harry introduced  semifinalist and former DSA Director, Stephen Blackwell, who performed Small Town Living Life.   

Stephen Blackwell

Harry,  following Stephen's performance,  introduced DSA Director of Showcases, Steve Sullivan who announced the winners of the Singer Songwriter category. Barbe then stepped to the podium again to announce the grand prize winners and read the comments by the grand prize judge, Roy Elkins. Barbe awarded 3rd place to James Bennett, who won studio time at Joe Milton's studio.

Also, presented were the Song of the Year Award to Rio King by Director of AnR, Harry Hewlett and DSA Prez Michael Brandenberger. awarded Songwriter of the Year to Bobby Montgomery.

Michael opened the mic following the awards with Run Run Rudolph. .Program and script was written by Barbara McMillen, food donated by Bobby Montgomery, sound provided by Harry Hewlett and a beautiful ice sculpture Christmas Tree was donated by the talented James Pappas.
James was carving his ice sculptures on Good Morning Texas just the week before. Also, thanks to the set up crew of Bobby Montgomery, Lisa Byrne, Harry Hewlett , Ken Duren, who also managed the door, and Barbe. Thanks to the tear down crew, Bobby Montgomery, Harry Hewlett, Barbe, Paul Zander and Allen Larson.   For a blow by blow of the evening, download the pdf of the program here at keep and share:  http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/7451098/dsa-awards-program-2014-pdf-1-2-meg