APPYS celebrates talent from across the region

APPYS (Photo by Steven’s Media Services)

PRESTONSBURG — The Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg was filled with talent and excitement 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.

Jill Hamlin, BSCTC’s assistant director of Fine Arts, said, “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.”

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

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