The Night Owl Country Band is again hosting the Who’s Hoo Country Music Awards.
Photo provided
Columbus resident Matt Lee thinks and envisions possibilities beyond standard boundaries.
Soon after he launched the local Night Owl Country Band, the group played the prestigious Grand Ole Opry and began touring all over the South. When he originated an annual Wounded Warrior benefit concert a few years ago, he brought in national country act John Schneider and sold out 400 seats at The Commons in downtown Columbus.
And when he began the Who’s Hoo Country Music Awards Show last year spotlighting the globe’s top independent artists, attendance was nearly 300 people. The name is a play on the band’s owl-themed moniker.
Already this year for the show at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at The Commons — and a Halloween-themed pre-party at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at The Crump Theatre — he has attendees coming from locales as far flung as Italy, Wales, the Netherlands and Canada.
So, no wonder that community arts leaders such as Richard McCoy of Landmark Columbus Foundation have thrown their support behind him and his latest project.
“I like and respect the fact that’s he’s willing to take risks,” McCoy said recently.
For this year’s awards show, Lee and his ensemble have 550 seats in The Commons.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit The Crump, which recently reopened with a schedule hosting everything from films to stand-up comedy. Organizers are still seeking a few more sponsors, ranging from $250 to $2,500, to round out expense coverage.
“More people seem to be understanding what this is,” said Lee, Night Owl’s lead singer.
More than 600 nominations have been received for various artists or acts, according to organizers.
Awards will be presented in 15 categories and feature three awards:
- Entertainer of the Year: given to an artist who has had a spectacular year recording and performing country music. 2022 awardee was Caitlin Mae of Wales.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: given to an artist who has successfully recorded and played shows for a long time period. 2022 awardee was David Frizzell of Nashville, Tennessee.
- Who-Manatarian: given to an artist who gives back to his or her community, wherever that may be. 2022 awardee was Jayson Ray Welsh of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The event will feature more than five live stage performances by up-and-coming independent country stars, and comic television star Jimmie Walker will be on hand to present several awards with his well-known comedic style that was featured in the popular 1970s sitcom “Good Times” (he also will be part of a meet-and-greet session).
The Who’s Hoo Country Music Award Show is one of only three awards shows that is dedicated to supporting independent artists who are not under contract with record labels, and this one is the only one dedicated to country artists, organizers said.
Tickets can be purchased at www.nightowlcb.com for $50 and include entrance for both days. Food will be available from Hillbillies BBQ, and a cash bar will be available.
The event is being produced in partnership with Landmark Columbus Foundation, The Crump Theatre, Night Owl Country band/NOCB Publishing.
About the events
What: Second Annual Who’s Hoo Country Music Awards.
When: Pre-party Oct. 27 at The Crump Theatre. Awards show Oct. 28 at The Commons, both in downtown Columbus.
Information, full schedule and tickets: nightowlcb.com, where tickets are available for $50.00 and include entrance for both days.
