Kitsap Pavilion was full of local musical talent that could and did fill the entertainment vacuum at the start of KMC II.

The several hundred attendees represented the whole human and musical spectrum. They were multicultural, multiethnic, multigenerational, multitalented, multistyled and multiwardrobed. There were little kids and grandmothers, men in cowboy duds and tuxedos, long hair and crew cuts, gowns and jeans, berets and bandanas.

Even Elvis put in an appearance at the table of James and The Shifters, a local group that keeps the King's style alive around Puget Sound.

Barnes apologized for being late, joked about Seattle's recent Mardi Gras unpleasantness, and got down to the business of handing out awards.

"It's about time people started recognizing performers and tech people," Barnes said. "They work hard."

The crowd cheered for their favorites as Barnes read the nominees. It held its collective breath as he opened the envelope. Then it cheered for the winner.

Forty-eight participants competed in 32 categories this year, compared to 55 competitors in 28 categories last year.

Four bands walked off with more than one first-place trophy: Butterface for rock and live video; Clave Con Jazz for Latin and jazz; and 4-Plus for reggae and cover.

Six entrants scored a top prize for the second year in a row. They are: Malo Castro for best percussion; Michael Hernandez for best lead guitar; Kitsap Konnection for best folk group; Thresh for Best Christian (won 2000 and tied 2001); Meatlocker Sound for best studio; and Manette Saloon for best venue.

"I've been working on my project — music and guitar — for 20 years," said Hernandez, a multi-instrument solo guitarist from Belfair. "This is recognition of your peers, not necessarily how much you make."

Three judges, whose names and scores were confidential, selected one winner and two finalists in each category. The judges were Kristin Martin, a music student from Tacoma, Al Green, a saxophonist who works at Dj's Music, and violinist John Graber. Entrants may request a copy of their scores by sending a SASE to Toe Jam Productions, P.O. Box 4080, South Colby, WA 98384.

Organizer Clive Stewart closed ECM II with a 90-minute jazz concert by a the Michael Powers Group of Seattle.

For the second year, Stewart plans to donate proceeds to Project Family and the West Sound Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Reach reporter Deborah Woolston at (360) 792-9218 or at dwoolston@thesunlink.com.

Published in The Sun: 04/01/2001