While it may not have been the Grammys, the Southern Illinois Music Awards displayed the wide variety of local talent that exists in the area Sunday night at Detours.

The theme of the evening seemed to be diversity. All five bands Organic Rain, Rapture, The Gordons, Slappin’ Henry Blue and Nitro Jr. presented a variety of musical abilities and genres.

The Gordons filled the place with a sweet sound that seemed to come from the heart. The music was a combination of classic country and folk. Guitarist Gary Gordon said his influences come from such artists as Ernest Tubb and Porter Wagner. The music had a rich country sound that reminded one of early country styles originating from bluegrass.

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The band also played gospel music. The title song from the band’s latest CD, Family Bible, was a spiritual song that took the audience to a simpler time when the most important thing in a household was the family Bible. Gordon said the band enjoys playing gospel music and has performed shows in which it was the only kind of music played.

Slappin’ Henry Blue also played, featuring Bruce Camden, who won the award for best guitarist, and lead vocalist Tawl Paul, who won the award for best vocalist.

Camden was spectacular on his instrument. He has the ability to rock out with some licks that sound like Billy Gibbons, lead guitarist for ZZ Top. At other times, he can slow it down and play slow blues comparable to Buddy Guy. It is unfortunate that such a good guitar player is overshadowed by the grunting of Tawl Paul.

Some other award-winners included:John Colins of Nitro Jr. for best songwriter; The Murphysboro Blues Festival for best event; and The Alright Blues Band for best new band.

The crowd was a little disappointed when it was announced that the surprise MC, Big Larry Williams of the Chicago Blues and Rhythm Kings, was too sick to perform his duties. The singer performed at last year’s ceremony, and a video of the performance was shown during one of the set changes. Danny Ward, trumpet player for the Jungle Dogs, filled in for the ill bluesman.

The evening proved to be a bust because most of the award-winners were absent from the ceremonies. Only a few of the musicians were on hand to receive recognition, some because they were performing.

The bands were not the only ones missing from the action. The event was sparsely populated. The small crowd that was there was attentive and seemed to be appreciative of the evening’s festivities. The evening was a calm and relaxing one. Because there were so few people in attendance, the music was the focus.

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While the small audience made it easier to listen to the music, its size was a disappointment. The few who saw the show saw something unique. The awards program was a community event. Many businesses went out on a limb to bring the people of Southern Illinois an evening of good music to recognize the accomplishments of local musicians. It is sad it was not better received.