ATTENTION ALL BEACH MUSIC LOVERS!!

This includes our Internet listeners, as well!

In an effort to raise the national awareness of our beloved Carolina Beach Music, Dynamites at Dock Holidays will be the site for CBMA (Carolina Beach Music Awards) membership drive Wednesday, June 13 through Sunday, June 17.

Carolina Beach Music Awards began in 1995 as a way to recognize and honor all aspects of beach music…the artists, songwriters, club owners, radio stations, djs, booking agents, record labels, recording studios, engineers, producers, etc. The show recognizes those who excel in their field as well as honoring the pioneers.

Many of you know that there is an effort to have beach music recognized as a separate category at the “Daddy of music award shows,” the Grammys. In order to even be considered, there must be a “petition” with 5,000 signatures supporting this idea. This petition has taken the form of memberships in the Carolina Beach Music Awards. Last year there were 1,786 members of the Academy, according to Peter Carpenter, President of the Board of Directors. He has set a goal of 2,500 members for 2007, obviously hoping to exceed that goal and move closer to the 5,000 needed. With over 10,000 beach music and shag enthusiasts attending each SOS, and all of our many Internet listeners, this is certainly an attainable goal! 

There are two levels of memberships. For $15.00, any fan/supporter of beach music can join as an Associate member of the Academy. Associate members receive a membership card and are offered preferred seating at the annual awards show. They have voting privileges and help decide who the winners will be at the awards show. In addition, they receive discounts on the weekend activities and merchandise.

The $25.00 membership level is reserved for industry professionals…those who make their living by promoting beach music. Band members, artists, club owners, radio station owners, booking agents, djs, etc. comprise this full-membership level. These folks nominate, as well as vote for, candidates that appear on the slate for the awards show.

There is a full line-up of activities for this membership drive. 94.9 the Surf will be there nightly at 6:00, bringing the bands on at 8:00 (Wednesday, June 13 will showcase The Fantastic Shakers; Thursday will be an “All Star” show of your favorite local artists; Friday, Band of Oz performs; The Magnificents take the stage on Saturday; and Sunday, the Craig Woolard Band will start at 6:00.) Volunteers will be on hand to sign you up for membership. Nightly prizes will be awarded, compliments of Hayes Jewelers, Cash and Dash, Caravelle Resort, and All About Travel and 94.9 the Surf. You must be present to win!

This membership drive is being presented by 4 previous winners of Carolina Beach Music Awards…Dynamites, Fat Harold’s Beach Club, 94.9 the Surf, and Hayes Jewelers. Whether or not you plan to attend the awards show in November, 94.9 the Surf encourages everyone (Internet listeners included) to support this effort. For $15.00, you can help boost the numbers! In the words of Peter Carpenter, “We’d like to invite everyone to support Carolina Beach Music and help take it to the national level…keep it alive!” For more information, or to download an application for membership, go to www.cammy.org.