No, it’s not the Grammy Awards show. But it is a music awards show, and it does come from the same state--California, of course!I have an annual tradition of missing the Grammy Awards show. Not because it’s a political statement; more because I’m usually not interested. Well apparently, for the first time in a long time, it appears that I really missed a great show! Heartfelt tributes to the late great Whitney Houston, who passed away so young, this past weekend. A 50th anniversary Beach Boys reunion, where three originals and two almost-originals put aside differences and made music. (And don’t forget that California Diner playlist favorite Nelson Bragg played drums in that stellar ensemble!) And in what has been making the rounds amongst music fans as perhaps one of the all time great acceptance speeches, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl reminded us what’s important about music--you could almost hear him saying “Music needs to be driven, not controlled”. I should have watched it this year. Well, I guess that’s why the good Lord invented YouTube, isn’t it?Every year, I do a little awards show of my own on my other show, Twirl Radio. It’s called the Twirlie Awards, and it’s a celebration of some of the top indie music to grace my playlists during the prior year. We honor such categories as Album and Song of the Year, Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, Best Songwriting, etc. And the great thing is that all these artists being honored have been played frequently right here on Recharged Radio’s California Diner, so it’s completely appropriate that I share this event with you.What better time to share the love than on Valentine’s Day? Why not--these great indie musicians have given us the gift of great music all year long, so the least we can do is pass out some awards. We’ll start off by visiting with San Francisco Bay Area musician Kate Burkart, as sort of a warmup for the festivities. And then the awards will fly, fast and furious. So much so that I’ll need help from my co-host, Amber “Waitress Shirley” Alexander, and three tough guy accountants who keep us honest. Don’t miss it. Because unlike the Grammies, this won’t be on YouTube anytime soon.Hey! Recharged Radio now has a magazine! It’s a free monthly music e-zine called Sound of the Suburbs (not to be confused with our radio show of the same name--oh heck, go ahead and confuse it--we don’t mind!) It’s our joint effort with our friends at Perfect Pop Co-Op. You can get it on the left hand side of the home page of Recharged Radio. Just scroll down a bit, and get reading!If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, See you then!Chef Mikemike(at)rechargedradio.comMN2BDNCAlbum of the YearMaxi Dunn, for her album The Neglected GambitAlbum of the Year Runner upVegas With Randolph, for their album Above The BlueSong of the YearThe Whiskey Saints, for their song Every Little ThingSong of the Year Runner upBlake Jones and Tom Magill, for their song Life Turns On A DimeFemale Vocalist of the YearEmily ZuzikMale Vocalist of the YearBud RogersEar CandyLaurie Biagini, for her album A Go-Go Girl In A Modern WorldBest Debut AlbumThe Big I Am, for their album Collecting SkiesBest SongwritingSal Valentino/John Blakeley, for Sal’s album Dreamin’ ManProducer of the Year (tie)Peter Hackett, for Maxi Dunn’s album The Neglected GambitProducer of the Year (tie)Wim Oudijk, for The Big I Am’s album Collecting SkiesBest Line In A SongJuan Mazzola of Baby Scream, for his song The Last Call. The line was “I wouldn’t care about tomorrow, tomorrow never cared for me.” “I shouldn’t care about your sorrow, sorrow never cared for me.” I’m a little disappointed with you….”Best Interview, phoneDuncan Faure (former Bay City Roller, now solo artist), 3/12/2011Best Interview, in-studioBlake Jones & The Trike Shop, 10/22/2011Best Live SessionSkip Heller and Debora Iyall, Shine Cafe, Sacramento, 10/29/2011Best Rock And Roll Moment1. Japan Radiothon 20112. Writing liner notes for Above The Blue by Vegas With Randolph3. Getting to hear sneak preview of Debora Iyall’s remake of her Romeo Void song A Girl In Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing)–on her Ipod4. Reaching 500th show in May5. Emceeing for the Corner Laughers at their Sacramento gigTop Albums of 2011:1. Maxi Dunn – The Neglected Gambit2. Vegas With Randolph – Above The Blue3. The Big I Am – Collecting Skies4. The Handcuffs – Waiting For The Robot5. Bud Rogers – Whiteout6. Baby Scream – Secret Place7. Emily Zuzik Band – The Wild Joys Of Living8. Bill Mumy – Until The Big Bang Whimpers9. The Whiskey Saints – 24 Hours10. Anton Barbeau – Psychedelic Mynde Of MosesTop Songs of 2011:1. The Whiskey Saints – Every Little Thing2. Blake Jones & Tom Magill – Life Turns On A Dime3. Braam – Burlington Northern4. The Big I Am – Collecting Skies5. Maxi Dunn – Make It Better6. Mad Mush – Silent Snowfall7. Scott Brookman – The Man From Operations8. Popdudes – Desperation Time9. Rob Swanson/Dennis Holseybrook – Rust10. Agony Aunts – Me Being Maximum11. John York and Kim Fowley – Angels And Trucks12. Laurie Biagini – My Little SUV13. Cult Of Wedge – The Birds and the Bees and Jaime14. Anton Barbeau – Skunk Hungarian15. Ben Swidenbank – Leave That Animal Behind16. Baby Scream – The Last Call17. The Scratch – Homely Crackle18. The Britannicas – Bleed Between The Lines19. Joe Symes – Lost Along The Way20. Lannie Flowers – Turn Up Your Radio