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On Wednesday, September 17th, the San Diego Music Foundation presents the eighteenth annual San Diego Music Awards at Viejas Casino, showcasing, rewarding and celebrating everything the San Diego music scene has to offer.

Nominees and fans will enjoy live performances by As I Lay Dying, Louis XIV, Steve Poltz and The Cynics, Jayo Felony, Anya Marina, Joel Rafael, and a special performance by American jazz guitar legend Mundelle Lowe - who is also receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

From Best Cover Band to Best Hip Hop, Best Acoustic, Best Alternative, Best Club DJ, Best Electronic, Best World Music, and Best Pop, the San Diego Music Awards doesn't miss a beat. Check out some of the nominees for the 2008 San Diego Music Awards. For a complete list of the nominees, visit sandiegomusicawards.com.

Best Alternative

Alfred Howard & the K23 Orchestra
Buddy Akai (main photo)
Mr. Tube & the Flying Objects
Republic of Letters
Scarlet Symphony
Spell Toronto
Swim Party
The Drowning Men

Best Club DJ

DJ Artistic
DJ Edgartronic
Gabe Vega
Ikah Love
Junior
Mario Orduno
Rashi
Shark Attack (pictured left)

More than just a way for us to brag about our considerable local talent, the San Diego Music Awards show's purpose is to raise money for charity.

Over the past 16 years, musical philanthropists from America's Finest City have raised much-needed funding for elementary school music education programs. In 1999, with help from El Cajon's Taylor Guitars and San Diego's City Beat Magazine, the San Diego Music Awards Foundation introduced Taylor Guitars for Schools. This program provides guitar instruction in public Elementary Schools as well as "Baby" Taylor guitars for young virtuosos' little hands to wrap around. The purpose of Taylor Guitars for Schools is to try to ensure that tomorrow's Eric Clapton, Jimmy Paige, and Nancy Wilson aren't left undiscovered for being empty-handed.

The San Diego Music Awards show is Wednesday, September 17th at Viejas Casino's Concerts in the Park - a 1,500-seat outdoor area under the starry mountain sky. The Viejas Casino is just off 8 East at Willows Road. Tickets are $50 in advance and $75 the day of the show. You can buy your tickets online here. For group seating privileges, email contact@sandiegomusicfoundation.org.