The Carolina Beach Music Awards are held the first week in November to honor the best of beach music, a Southern musical genre linked with the Carolina shag dance. Characterized by a rhythmic blues beat and moderately fast tempo, beach music is synonymous with North Myrtle Beach, where the shag was popularized by vacationing college students and teenagers in 1950s and 60s. The Platters, Smokey Robinson, the Spinners, Mary Wells and Sam Cooke are typical beach-music artists. Contemporary beach bands have a strong Motown influence.
The CBMA weekend begins on the preceding Wednesday, with pre-party festivities at a Myrtle Beach nightclub. Entertainers perform both Friday and Saturday nights at clubs along the beach. A Band Fair is held Sunday prior to the awards ceremony.
The Awards Show Sunday afternoon honors those who originated beach music, as well as today's artists, in several categories -- singers, musicians, dancers, songwriters, DJs, producers and engineers. The ceremony is held at the Alabama Theatre where tickets can be purchased at the box-office or online.
Weekend passes and nightly tickets can be purchased at participating clubs and venues. Accommodations are available at beach hotels in close proximity to all events. The main purpose of the CBMA Awards is to keep beach music alive and popular among today's youth, and to recognize this music as a respectable and credible genre that brings diverse age groups and cultures together.
The Carolina Beach Music Academy encourages membership from beyond the Carolinas and seeks to spread beach music throughout the world. Membership fees are nominal. For further information contact the CBMA at 98 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach SC 295582.
