 | | Best Urban Act: 360 |
Jazz saxophonist Andy was presented with the Award – an engraved crystal glass trophy in the shape of Birmingham’s iconic Rotunda building – by reggae star Pato Banton. Andy moved to Birmingham in 1949, and it wasn't until he was 72 that he released his first record. Andy will be celebrating his 88th birthday soon.
 | | Best Rock/Indie Act: Arenaline |
Pato paid tribute to the jazz legend saying: “It gives me great pleasure to present this award to an artist who has been on the music scene for about 150 years – even before the Bull Ring! He’s an outstanding artist and has supported many renowned jazz musicians over the years. He deserves this more than anyone I can imagine!" Andy replied: "I didn’t expect this. It’s great to be here. Thank you – let the good times roll!"
 | | Best Unplugged Act: Butterfly Catchers |
The stars came out for the first Birmingham Music Awards, which has been two years in the planning, culminating in an Oscars-style announcement ceremony in the Havana Room on Gas St, Birmingham. Singer Norma Lewis compered the event with awards being handed out by Midlands stars Toyah, Pato Banton and ex-Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley. Entertainment was provided by local musicians including gospel rappers, a pure percussion duo, DJ, an acoustic singer-guitarist, plus jazz, pop and rock bands playing throughout the night.
 | | Best Classical Act: Maraca 2 |
Toyah Wilcox said: "I’m bored of hearing about the Manchester music scene. Let’s hear about the Birmingham music scene. Let it be Birmingham next. The BMA has a huge geographical sweep as far as Nottingham and Gloucester, and is here to pay tribute to the immense talent we have in the Midlands, and to sing its praises. "It’s about time Birmingham reclaimed its musical heritage. We had it in the 80s. Now we need to claim it back. It’s about time we shouted the loudest: this is not about modesty, it’s about recognition. We should be proud of the children it has borne. Its talent has been obvious for a long time."
 | | Toyah Wilcox |
The winners in each category will receive a trophy and a support package tailored to their specific needs. They were chosen after a series of showcase performances held in Birmingham during October with judging panels made up of industry experts, record company executives, musicians, music journalists and radio DJs. The winners list BEST JAZZ/BLUES ACT 2005 Carole Westwood & The Archie Cotterell Trio BEST ROCK/INDIE ACT 2005 Adrenaline BEST UNPLUGGED ACT 2005 Butterfly Catchers BEST URBAN ACT 2005 360 BEST CLASSICAL ACT 2005 Maraca 2 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Andy Hamilton All images are copyright of River Studio | 
