Spirited San Diego Music Awards

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Despite spirited performances by the likes of Dead Feather Moon, who won for Best Alternative Album, the Howls (SoundDiego LIVE performers later this month in Carlsbad), P.O.D., Hills Like Elephants, the Mattson Two, Candy Kayne and others, the evening’s balloon was frequently popped when awards were handed out for artists who were not on hand – including Album of the Year and Song of the Year (both given to Delta Spirit) and Artist of the Year (Switchfoot).

Also MIA on Monday: Gregory Page (Best Jazz Recording),Gabe Vega (Best DJ), Sara Petite, the Burning of Rome, who got the award for Best Alternative Artists, and others.

The Best New Artist nod went to Hills Like Elephants, led by local frontman Sean Davenport, who delivered a memorable appearance to kick off the evening’s festivities.

The evening was capped, though, by performances at Humphreys Backstage by the Brothers Grimm (an acoustic set by members of Best Pop Artist winner the Silent Comedy), Low Volts and Hyena, who won for Best Electronic Artists of 2012.

Among the other winners on Monday:

Best Local Recording: Blackout Party’s "Closed Mouth Don't Get Fed"