1994 Delaware Valley Music Poll Awards Ceremony

By GREGG KIRK
(January 1995, Big Shout Magazine)

The Philadelphia Inquirer described it as “rag tag,” but when the final note sounded at the third annual Delaware Valley Music Awards, “wild and woolly” are probably the terms that best describe the night’s action. Whenever you mix a Tracadero-sized audience filled with musicians, their friends, and a group of people who view partying as more than an avocation, you’re bound to have some wild things occur.

But instead of giving a blow-by-blow description of what happened, we decided to let the pictures and results speak for themselves, while letting you in on some of the night’s highlights.

Author and former CREEM editor, Dave Marsh makes a point during his keynote speech. (photo by Bill Schmid)
Iota from the Minor Details makes a point with her guitar during her band’s performance. (photo by Bill Schmid)

BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE — They didn’t win this award at the ceremony, but when Caterpillar took the stage to play two songs, they proved to everyone in the audience why they are the critics’ faves.

MOST STOMACH-TURNING PERFORMANCE — It was bad enough that Madd from the Goats decided to bestow a moon upon Ruffhouse label owners Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo, but when he spread his butt cheeks for the benefit of everyone in the audience… well, it wasn’t too pretty.

MOST IMPRESSIVE DUO — Check out the fros on Best Rap Artist winners Sons of Sam! Fly.

MOST INTERESTING ACCEPTANCE SPEECHES — While the order of the night seemed to be “drag your drunken friends up on stage and act stupid in the spotlight” (especially as the night dragged on), Crossbone Pie‘s Kevin McNamara thanked the Philly scene for taking his band where it currently is — “nowhere,” he said. He followed that by saying the band had no one to thank but themselves.

Zen Guerrilla‘s Marcus Durant exclaimed that it was ridiculous to offer an award for best single when there were so many great singles released this year.

Best Rap Winners, Sons of Sam display their blow-out combs with presenter Schoolly D (second from left). (photo by Ken Hinchey)
Best Folk award winner Mike Brenner from the Low Road (center) with Trocadero owner Dave Simons (left) and WXPN’s David Dye. (photo by Ken Hinchey)

DISAPPEARING ACT — He’s been there for every Delaware Valley Music Poll Awards ceremony ever staged, but where was Rodney Anonymous when his country needed him?

MOST SUCCESSFUL BASH — By far, the VIP party before the main event (which saw at least 500-some industry types taking full advantage of the open bar and Chinese appetizers) is going to be one of the most talked-about bashes Philly has seen in a long while.