Sunday, December 23, 2012

Here's Your Ballot for the 2013 Buckey Awards!

(photo by David Cottle)

Its the start of Buckey Awards Season! 

Yes, the Buckey Awards for Excellence in the Arts celebrates the artists, performers and arts supporters of Yavapai County. And, in a ceremony on Saturday, March 9th, at the historic Elks Opera House, we'll recognize these wonderful people before a crowd and on live t.v.

Here's how the voting works:

1. Decide who your favorite local artists, performers and arts supporters are in these categories: (If you want more detail on the categories and the method we use to decide who gets the Buckey Awards, click here.) Remember, this is an open ballot. There is no list of people to choose from. You write in who you want on a blank line.
  • Outstanding Visual Artist 
  • Outstanding Literary Artist
  • Outstanding Media Artist/Broadcaster
  • Outstanding Arts Educator
  • Outstanding Performing Artist (non-musician)
  • Outstanding Arts Activist
  • Outstanding Arts Organization
  • Outstanding Arts Event
  • Outstanding Musical Artist
  • Outstanding Lifetime Contributor to the Arts of Yavapai County      (Jody Drake and Bill Nebeker have already been honored as Lifetime Contributors and so are ineligible for the 2013 Buckeys.)
Nominees for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to the Arts of Yavapai County must have lived and worked in Yavapai County for at least 10 years. All other nominees must have lived and worked in Yavapai County for at least all of 2012.

2. Click here to go to your free online Buckey Awards ballot. Vote.

Only one ballot can be submitted from an individual computer. If your mom already voted off the family computer, you're going to have to use your smart phone or a computer at the library. Sorry folks, got to keep some people from trying to game the system.

If you have contact information for the artist, performer or arts supporter you are voting for, please include it on the ballot. We'll contact them and let them know they are in the running for the 2013 Buckey Awards!

3. In February, we'll announce the close of voting. The short list of finalists resulting of this voting will be given to top secret committees of practicing local artists, performers and arts supporters. They will review the work of the Finalists and vote for one person/organization in each category to celebrate on Saturday, March 9th at the Elks Opera House.

This is not a contest for best, this is a celebration of achievement.

We look forward to seeing the artists, performers and arts supporters whose work you enjoy most. Thanks for supporting the arts in Yavapai County and we look forward to seeing you at the 3rd Annual Buckey Awards on Saturday, March 9th!

Andrew Johnson-Schmit
Producer/Master of Ceremonies
3rd Annual Buckey Awards for Excellence in the Arts
prescottartsbeat@gmail (dot) com

Monday, March 12, 2012

What a Night!


(photo by the awesome David Cottle)

It really was a fantastic night at the 2012 Buckey Awards for Excellence in the Arts - as you can tell from my slight grin in the middle of Switch Academy of Performing Arts' many hard-charging hoofers.

I'll write more about it in the days ahead, but in the meantime, there is excellent coverage in the Daily CourierPrescott eNews and a lovely blog posting by Outstanding Literary Artist honoree Tiffany Antone.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

The Buckey Awards Are Tonite!


Behold! The Buckey Awards have arrived. They come but once a year - and when they do - it's a great night out, celebrating the artist, performers and arts supporters of Yavapai County!

Get your date and don't be late! The Buckey Awards for Excellence in the Arts is tonight at the historic Elks Opera House in downtown Prescott. For a measly $10, you get one glittering night of fun - with a real life Red Carpet Experience at 6:30pm, awards show at 7pm. To find out more and get reserved tickets, click here.

Musical guests are Tumbledown House, with their roadhouse jazz vibe; special performance by dancers from the Switch Academy of Performing Arts; a comedic visit from the Certifiable Public Accountants of Cook, Books & Hyde; a Lifetime Contribution to the Arts of Yavapai County conferred on Bill Nebeker - 40 + year veteran of the arts in our community, bronze sculptor of western themes; and then, oh then, 9 wonderful, nail-bitingly awesome categories to honor artist and performers working, living and creating in Yavapai County.

Here is a list of the categories, who's presenting the Buckey and who the finalists are in that category:

Outstanding Visual Artist Presenter: Ian Russell of Ian Russell Galley of Fine Art
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Brooke Stevens-Patrick
Charles Huckeba
Paul Abbott
Rick Hartner
Roger Asay and Rebecca Davis


Outstanding Literary Artist - Presenter: Toni Kaus, Library Director, City of Prescott
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Karen Despain
Michele McFadden (Micki Shelton)
Parker Anderson
Steven Ayres
Tiffany Antone

Outstanding Media Artist/Broadcaster - Presenter: Monika Marrihia Bishop
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Bo Woods
BrYan Matuskey
David Veatch
Sandy Moss
Tom Agostino

Outstanding Arts Educator - Presenter: Juanita Hull-Carlson
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Bruce Lanning (Yavapai College)
Dan Bradstreet (PHS)
Jean Lutz (Everybody's Place)
Sister Anne Fitzsimons (Sacred Heart)

Outstanding Performing Artist - Presenter: Katie Hodge Dean
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Cason Murphy
Delisa Myles
Jody Drake
Linda Miller
Marnie Uhl

Outstanding Arts Activist - Presenter: Elisabeth Ruffner
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Ida Kendall
Jean Lutz
Jeri Smith-Fornara
Jon Meyer
Mike Vax

Outstanding Arts Organization - Presenter: Jon Meyer, Prescott Center for the Arts
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Elks Opera House Foundation
Prescott Center for the Arts
Prescott College Arts Gallery at Sam Hill Warehouse
Prescott Film Festival
The@trics Theatre


Outstanding Arts Event - Presenter: Margo Christensen
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Phippen Museum Western Art Show & Sale
Prescott Film Festival
Prescott Jazz Summit
"Sweeney Todd" at PCA
"The Miracle Worker" at PCA



Outstanding Musical Artist - Presenters: Tres Ikner and Jen Juniper of Dutch Holly 
(finalists, in alphabetical order)
Anton Teschner and Drew Hall
Don Cheek and the Cheektones
Here Come Cowboys
Jonathan Best
Merry Musicals Moms

Lifetime Contribution to the Arts of Yavapai County - Presenter: Jody Drake
(2012 Honoree)
Bill Nebeker

To find out more and to get reserved tickets, click here.





Thursday, March 8, 2012

On Stage: Switch Academy of Performing Arts


And what awards show would be complete without dancers? The 2012 Buckey Awards showcase our local dance scene with a production number by eight young dancers from Switch Academy of Performing Arts


Semi-Spoiler alert: There is actually a 9th dancer in the number. Someone you NEVER thought you would see dancing on the Elks Opera House stage . . . or anywhere for that matter. Come to the 2012 Buckey Awards or watch it live on Access 13 to find out who!


To learn more and to pick up some of those dirt cheap  tickets, click here.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Musical Guests at the 2012 Buckey Awards



(please note: 2012 Buckey finalists Jonathan Best on keyboard and BrYan Matuskey made this video!) 

Tumbledown House will be our musical guests, providing instrumental music for the evening AND performing songs off their new CD, Fables and Falsehoods - just 10 days before its release! Watch this and I think you'll agree, best dang kazoo solo eveh!

To find out more about this Glittering Night for the Arts in Prescott including how to get the super cheap tickets, click here.


Last Chance to Advertise at the Buckey Awards!



Open publication - Free publishing - More arizona

For as little as $50, your business, production or shout-out to a favorite artist can be:
  • On the Red Carpet Logo Wall in the lobby of the Elks Opera House
  • In the Awards Show Program
  • Announced by a Presenter from the Stage
  • And all of it part of the 2nd Annual Buckey Awards, shown on Access 13 and the Buckey Awards YouTube Channel for all the world to see!
So, get your business' name out there or give a shout-out to your favorite artist with a Buckey Awards Sponsorship deal. They'll be gone by Friday!


Monday, March 5, 2012

Finalists - Total List of Finalists for 2012 Buckey Awards!

To find out more about the Buckey Awards and to get reserved tickets, click here.

Outstanding Visual Artist Presenter: Ian Russell of Ian Russell Galley of Fine Art
(in alphabetical order)
Brooke Stevens-Patrick
Charles Huckeba
Paul Abbott
Rick Hartner
Roger Asay and Rebecca Davis


Outstanding Literary ArtistPresenter: Toni Kaus, Library Director, City of Prescott
(in alphabetical order)
Karen Despain
Michele McFadden (Micki Shelton)
Parker Anderson
Steven Ayres
Tiffany Antone

Outstanding Media Artist/BroadcasterPresenter: Monika Marrihia Bishop
(in alphabetical order)
Bo Woods
BrYan Matuskey
David Veatch
Sandy Moss
Tom Agostino

Outstanding Arts EducatorPresenter: Juanita Hull-Carlson
(in alphabetical order)
Bruce Lanning (Yavapai College)
Dan Bradstreet (PHS)
Jean Lutz (Everybody's Place)
Sharon Bender (Taylor Hicks)
Sister Anne Fitzsimons (Sacred Heart)

Outstanding Performing ArtistPresenter: Katie Hodge Dean
(in alphabetical order)
Cason Murphy
Delisa Myles
Jody Drake
Linda Miller
Marnie Uhl

Outstanding Arts ActivistPresenter: Elisabeth Ruffner
(in alphabetical order)
Ida Kendall
Jean Lutz
Jeri Smith-Fornara
Jon Meyer
Mike Vax

Outstanding Arts OrganizationPresenter: Jon Meyer, Prescott Center for the Arts
(in alphabetical order)
Elks Opera House Foundation
Prescott Center for the Arts
Prescott College Arts Gallery at Sam Hill Warehouse
Prescott Film Festival
The@trics Theatre


Outstanding Arts EventPresenter: Margo Christensen
(in alphabetical order)
Phippen Museum Western Art Show & Sale
Prescott Film Festival
Prescott Jazz Summit
"Sweeney Todd" at PCA
"The Miracle Worker" at PCA


Outstanding Musical ArtistPresenters: Tres Ikner and Jen Juniper of Dutch Holly 
(in alphabetical order)
Anton Teschner and Drew Hall
Don Cheek and the Cheektones
Here Come Cowboys
Jonathan Best
Merry Musicals Moms

Lifetime Contribution to the Arts of Yavapai CountyPresenter: Jody Drake
(2012 Honoree)
Bill Nebeker

To find out more and to get reserved tickets, click here.


















Sunday, March 4, 2012

Finalist - Arts Activist


And now, the 2012 Buckey Awards is proud to announce the finalists for
Outstanding Arts Activist (drum roll, please . . . )

(in alphabetical order)


Congrats to our finalists and all 31 nominees in this category!

To cheer on your favorites and see who goes home with the Buckey, join us on Saturday, March 10th at the historic Elks Opera House. You can find out more and see about getting tickets here.


Red Carpet coverage by KAWC's Alice Ferris and Pop Rocket Magazine founder Tena Overacker on Access 13 from 6:30pm to 7pm


Awards Show from 7pm to 9pm
Hosted by Andrew Johnson-Schmit. Outstanding Arts Activist award presented by 2011 Honoree Elisabeth Ruffner.


To read about it all in the Daily Courier, click here.

Finalists - Arts Educator

And now, the 2012 Buckey Awards is proud to announce the finalists for Outstanding Arts Educator (drum roll. please . . . )

(in alphabetical order)
Bruce Lanning, Yavapai College
Dan Bradstreet, Prescott High School
Jean Lutz, Everybody's Place
Sister Anne Fitzsimons (Sacred Heart)


Congrats to our finalists and all 68 nominees in this category!

To cheer on your favorites and see who goes home with the Buckey, join us on Saturday, March 10th at the historic Elks Opera House. You can find out more and see about getting tickets here.


Red Carpet coverage by KAWC's Alice Ferris and Pop Rocket Magazine founder Tena Overacker on Access 13 from 6:30pm to 7pm


Awards Show from 7pm to 9pm
Hosted by Andrew Johnson-Schmit. Outstanding Arts Educator award presented by Juanita Hull-Carlson, artist-in-residence.


To read about it all in the Daily Courier, click here.

Finalists - Arts Event

And now, the 2012 Buckey Awards is proud to announce the finalists for
 Outstanding Arts Event (drum roll, please . . . )

(in alphabetical order)
"Sweeney Todd" at Prescott Center for the Arts
"The Miracle Worker" at Prescott Center for the Arts


Congrats to our finalists and all 30 nominees in this category!

To cheer on your favorites and see who goes home with the Buckey, join us on Saturday, March 10th at the historic Elks Opera House. You can find out more and see about getting tickets here.


Red Carpet coverage by KAWC's Alice Ferris and Pop Rocket Magazine founder Tena Overacker on Access 13 from 6:30pm to 7pm


Awards Show from 7pm to 9pm
Hosted by Andrew Johnson-Schmit and award presented by Margo Christensen.


To read about it all in the Daily Courier, click here.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Finalists - Literary Artist

And now, the 2012 Buckey Awards is proud to announce the finalists for Outstanding Literary Artist (drum roll, please . . . )

(in alphabetical order)
Karen Despain, journalist/editor
Parker Anderson, playwright/historian
Steven Ayres, columnist/blogger
Tiffany Antone, playwright/blogger

Congrats to our finalists and all 39 nominees in this category!

To cheer on your favorites and see who goes home with the Buckey, join us on Saturday, March 10th at the historic Elks Opera House. You can find out more and see about getting tickets here.


Red Carpet coverage by KAWC's Alice Ferris and Pop Rocket Magazine founder Tena Overacker on Access 13 from 6:30pm to 7pm


Awards Show from 7pm to 9pm
Hosted by Andrew Johnson-Schmit and Outstanding Literary Artist award presented by Toni Kaus, Library Director, City of Prescott


To read about it all in the Daily Courier, click here.


Thursday, March 1, 2012

Finalists - Arts Organization

And now, the 2012 Buckey Awards is proud to announce the finalists for Outstanding Arts Organization (drum roll, please . . . )

(in alphabetical order)


Congrats to our finalists and all 31 nominees in this category!

To cheer on your favorites and see who goes home with the Buckey, join us on Saturday, March 10th at the historic Elks Opera House. You can find out more and see about getting tickets here.


Red Carpet coverage by KAWC's Alice Ferris and Pop Rocket Magazine founder Tena Overacker on Access 13 from 6:30pm to 7pm


Awards Show from 7pm to 9pm
Hosted by Andrew Johnson-Schmit and Outstanding Media Artist/Broadcaster award presented by Jon Meyer, Executive Director of Prescott Center for the Arts.


To read about it all in the Daily Courier, click here.

Finalists - Performing Artist


And now, the 2012 Buckey Awards is proud to announce the finalists for Outstanding Performing Artist (drum roll please . . . ) 

(in alphabetical order) 

Congrats to our finalists and all 34 nominees in this category!


To cheer on your favorites and see who goes home with the Buckey, join us on Saturday, March 10th at the historic Elks Opera House. You can find out more and see about getting tickets here.


Red Carpet coverage by KAWC's Alice Ferris and Pop Rocket Magazine founder Tena Overacker on Access 13 from 6:30pm to 7pm


Awards Show from 7pm to 9pm

Hosted by Andrew Johnson-Schmit and Outstanding Media Artist/Broadcaster award presented by Katie Hodge Dean.




To read about it all in the Daily Courier, click here.