Prestonsburg, KY: The Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, was filled with talent and excitement this Saturday night as the annual Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Awards (APPYS) occurred. The event has become a cornerstone in showcasing the diverse talent of the Appalachian region.
According to Joseph Campbell, BSCTC’s Fine Arts Director, the APPYS was conceived as a collaborative effort to provide a platform for artists across the 13-state Appalachian region. Four years ago, BSCTC and the MAC envisioned a way to highlight the incredible talent spanning our entire region, and thus, the APPYS came into being,” said Campbell.
“This year’s ceremony welcomed guests from around the world, with attendees traveling from as far as Southeast Asia and Ireland to witness the exceptional talent. The APPY’s has become exactly what we dreamed it would be,” stated Jill Hamlin, BSCTC’s Assistant Director of Fine Arts.
Featuring an impressive array of categories, the APPYS recognizes excellence in various fields, from the Best Acting/Drama/Speech Educator to the prestigious Star City Award. With over 48 categories, the awards ceremony plays an integral role in celebrating and honoring the contributions of artists and entertainers to the community.
As the curtains draw on another successful edition of the APPYS, the event continues to serve as a beacon for artistic expression and cultural celebration in the Appalachian region. Raise your hands for the winners.
Best Acting/Drama/Speech/Educator: Crockett Ward
Best Art Educator: Taylor Stacey
Best Dance Educator: Lora Rice
Best High School Band: Estill County
Best High School Choir: Parkersburg High School Chamber Choir
Best Music Educator: Janean Michelle Freeman
Best Sculpture/Pottery: Carvel and Ashley Norman – Dirty South Pottery
Best Social Media Influencer: Kisha Royse
EP of the Year: Zoe Howard – Peace N Whereabouts
Album of the Year: Joe Clark – 10 Years too Late
Best Bassist: Tom Mallory
Best Keyboardist: Jeff Rehmet
Best Drummer/Percussionist: Chris Robbins
Best Painting: Michelle Ward Ciancio
Best Music Festival: Bristol Rhythm and Roots
Best Podcast: Steve Shell and Cam Collins for Old Gods of Appalachia
Best Radio Personality: Brittany Rowe
Best Small Live Music Venue: The Jettie Baker Center
Best Recording Studio/Engineer/Producer: Mill Springs Studio
Best TV Personality: Lynda Fontaine
Best Photographer: Morgan Ravenscraft
Best Jazz/Latin/Big Band/World: The Hunt Butler Band
Best Original Song: Darrell Pittman
Best Pop: Alabaster Boxer
Best Religious/Worship/Spiritual: Jarfly Gospel Hour Band
Best Rock: Shades of Raven
Best Singer-Songwriter: Donnie Bowling
Best Digital Mixed Media: Payton Martin
Best Americana: Ron Short
Best Bluegrass: Jonathan Goodwin
Best Blues: Rachel Crowe
Best Country: Savannah Dean Reeves
Best Funk/R&B/Reggae: Brett Higgins and the Family
Best Indie/Indie Folk: Brando Vanschoyck
Best Logo Design/Graphic Designer: Jess Bowman
Best Cover Band/Variety Act: Thomas Taylor
Best Guitarist: Rob Lightner
Best Strings (Non-guitar/Bass): Tiffany Rose Shanta
Best Female Vocalist: Holly Forbes
Best Male Vocalist: Chase Bush
Best Music Video: The Goodwin Brothers – Everyday Thing
Best Jewelry Design: Tina Rush
Best Tattoo Artist: Matt Bartley
Best Traditional Appalachian: Ashton Brett Dunn
Best Textile: Susan Downs Freeman
Best Large Live Music Venue (501 seats or greater): Corbin Arena
Best Original Movie/Short Film/Documentary: Elaine Sheldon/Curran Sheldon
Best Author/Writer: Storm Young
Billie Jean Osborne Community Arts & Entertainment Award: Gayle Manchin
Star City Award: John McEuen
