SF Weekly Music Awards: Better Than the Obama Party Down the Street

Colorful music performances, gold plated awards and a room full of buzzed musicians and paper employees made for a wild night at the 20^th annual SF Weekly Music Awards. The night alternated between recognizing the best of the best in the Bay Area's music scene and making use of Ruby Skye's huge dance floor.

Host Alex Koll, comedian and local air guitar champion, started out the night with liquor jokes and references to his Biblical hairstyle, noting the difficulty of being a "comedian at the music show." Presenters took over the stage, including performer, Wallpaper, who announced the "nomineezes" and then winners for the Soul/R&B/Funk category. An impromptu drummer hopped up on stage to pound out a drum roll, while still on his cell phone. "Best Club Night" winner, Sweater Funk, took the stage with their entire posse, and attempted to play a ringtone as part of their acceptance speech. Unfortunately the song was fuzzy beyond recognition.

Amber Schadewald

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A few more vodka drinks and whole lot of drum and bass from local performance crew, Loco Bloco, livened up the venue with a mix of African, Caribbean, Brazilian and contemporary Hip Hop rhythms. People ventured onto the dance floor to booty shake and jump alongside the lively act, increasing the room's energy level 100 percent. A dancer on stilts dazzled the crowd, high kicking and swinging her body as if the wooden extensions were merely her own long limbs.