Get the Party Started

Here at Urban Tulsa, we're the biggest supporters of local original music. While we do make sure to use the ABoT Music Awards to tip our hat to all genres of music and honor those artists, we also realize there's more to the local music scene than just our original artists.

Sometimes, we all just want to get out, cut loose and dance to the songs that we know and love. If that's the case, your two best choices for entertainment are DJs or cover bands. If I want high energy and a party, however, I'll likely default to a cover band for my occasional guilty pleasure.

With that in mind, we're asking you to name the "Absolute Best Party Cover Band" in this year's music awards. I won't give anyone an unfair advantage by mentioning who won the category in 2009, but it's safe to assume the band has returned to the ballot again this year.

As in all categories, we've got five nominees, so give them each a quick listen or go by experience to make your decision and tell us who your favorite is by voting online at abotmusicawards.com.

And the nominees are ...

Crossland -- A quartet with diverse influences and led by front-man Dan Crossland, this group can cover a variety styles with equal aplomb. Great stage presence and musicianship quickly made them a favorite around town, whether playing a club like CJ Moloney's or rocking out at Friction in the Hard Rock Casino.

Imzadi -- A fixture in Tulsa's local cover scene for more than a decade now, Imzadi is best known for a high energy show that leaves the crowd wound up and wanting more. The question remains, however: Is it a party or a full on rock concert?

Smunty Voje -- This is the band that is always guaranteed to turn heads. Whether it's because the band arrives at the awards playing on the back of a flatbed, guitarist Brian Gresh is doing back flips on stage or the lead singer is allegedly offending the uptight, a Smunty show is never boring. These guys never take themselves too seriously, and that's why the audience loves them.

The Jetset Kings -- When members of a variety of popular local original bands come together to kick it, have fun and play some tunes, you know it's going to be a good night. With former members of Citizen Mundi, Congress of a Crow and My Solstice/Wreckless Process, you know the musicianship is outstanding and the horns just add to the fun. Lead singer Booker T is definitely the Kings' secret weapon, however.

The Sellouts -- If you're going to be possibly maligned by others for playing cover tunes, why not just play up to it? The Sellouts has its tongue planted firmly in cheek but can lead a serious party. Throw in a few original tunes and you know this band has game, but can this year's hot young newcomer to the scene steal the show? Only you can tell us.

Now that you've heard about the nominees, go online at abotmusicawards.com and vote for the ABoT Music Awards. Tell us who the best party cover band is and while you're at it, cast your vote in any and all of the other categories. The winners will be named at the awards show on August 5.