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PROVO — The red carpet is rolling out this weekend to welcome musicians and music fans at the second annual Utah Music Awards.
Utah Music Awards producer Warren Workman said the event is kind of like the Grammys, because it's a chance to celebrate the best independent musicians.
"We don't really have a market in Utah that really helps promote these independent artists and get them in front of general audiences," Workman said.
While about 90 percent of the participating musicians will be from Utah, artists from outside the state and the country have also participated.
Attendees of the semi-formal event will see performances by talent such as Kenz Hall, Kalli Therinae, Aaliyah Rose, Scott & Brendo and Mimi Knowles.
Following the performances will be an afterparty catered by Snap Daddy's Barbeque. This will be a chance for musicians to collaborate on projects and for fans to meet them.
"It's a big party. It's our one chance to feel like we're famous rock stars, even though we're in Utah," Workman said.
Each year, Workman's company, Workman Productions, puts on the Utah Film Awards in the spring, and now they put on the music awards each fall.
"We're giving … a smorgasbord introduction to several wonderful musicians all at one stop," Workman said.
More than 120 artists submitted their work this year, and 20 awards will be given in a variety of categories, including an Audience Choice Award.
A panel of music industry professionals nominated some of the artists for different categories at the show.
Some of the artists nominated for awards include the creators behind Dark Lord Funk and Super Hero Soccer and locals such as Robyn Cage, Ashley Hess, and Foreign Figures. Winners will be awarded a trophy.
We're giving … a smorgasbord introduction to several wonderful musicians all at one stop.
–Warren Workman, Utah Music Awards producer
A family-friendly event, The Utah Music Awards will take place Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Covey Center for the Arts - Main Hall at 425 W. Center in Provo. The afterparty will start around 6:30 p.m.
Those who wish to attend can buy $20 tickets at the box office, by calling the Covey Center or by visiting the website. Internet users can buy the tickets for $15 using the promo code AudioWest.
Those who can't attend can view a highlight reel of the show on Wednesday. Musicians interested in submitting to next year's event can visit the website and click on "enter now."
