This October marks the 16^th annual Modesto Area Music Awards (MAMAs). Musicians and bands from all over the Greater Modesto Area get to meet up for a one-night event to celebrate their talents. When the MAMAs were first held in 2000, there were only six categories to vote from. Now, 16 years later, the MAMAs are celebrating 20 different categories for bands and musicians to get the recognition they deserve.
California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) alumni Erika Anderson and current KCSS Station Manager Garret Smart organized an event last year that is now nominated for a MAMA.
Bandstand is an annual event that KCSS organizes for students and community members. The event is free of charge and open to all ages. This year’s Bandstand was something special thanks to hard work put forth from Anderson and Smart.
“This year, the goal of Bandstand was to not only support local music, but to promote local music to the community,” Anderson said.
Anderson and Smart reached out to local musicians and were able to create a compilation CD of 35 different songs from 35 different artists. The KCSS Compilation Album was released at Bandstand, which was held at The Grizzly Rock Café on May 9, 2015. 17 bands performed at the event on three different stages from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Although they didn’t receive as much local support as they had wished for, many surrounding community members have recognized their hard work and dedication to KCSS and Stan State. The event is now nominated for best “Small Event,” and anyone can go online and vote for it. 
“I felt so accomplished and very excited at the idea that this event, that I worked so hard on for months, would be recognized,” Anderson said. “Getting to be a part of this event is important because I am representing local musicians and getting an opportunity to support the community event as a graduate and past Promotions Director at KCSS.”
This year, the MAMAs are being held at the Modesto State Theater. To vote for Bandstand, please visit the MAMAs website at http://modestoareamusic.com/. Click on the “Vote” link and be sure to choose Bandstand as your selection. Don’t forget to vote for other local artists and comedians you may know. Voting closes on Oct. 18, and the MAMAs are on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.