SEXIEST HARD ROCK BAND

Mosquito Hawk

Shit. Jerry Zeigler, Phil Heinze, John Merithew and Olivia Love? Even their names are sexy. But start talking about Mosquito Hawk's talent, hair, high tops and cute tooth gaps all rolled into one epic super group, and Olympia gets a little wet between the legs. Steaming up stages for a little over a year now, Mosquito Hawk recently bid farewell to bassist Phil Heinze, who embarks on a journey to Germany. I'm sure whoever replaces Heinze will also posses some of that sweet Olympia rocker sex appeal. Muah! - Nikki Talotta

BEST RECENTLY-SIGNED METAL BAND

Christian Mistress

In-the-know Olympians have been raving about Christian Mistress' spine-chilling vocals and dueling metal guitar assaults since the band emerged from its black cellar roughly three years ago.  Now, worldwide recognition has helped get this powerhouse group signed with Relapse Records, press coverage from NPR, Thrasher and the like, and is taking them to Roadburn Festival in Holland to play with all the other Gods of Thunder and Rock ‘n' Roll. It's not just pizza, PBRs and pentagrams for these Olympia originals anymore! Rock on Mothafuckas! - NT

SADDEST MOMENT IN MUSIC

Passing of Steve Munger

Olympia is still mourning the recent passing icon Steve Munger, well-known for his musical contributions in the world of jazz, rock and reggae. Munger died Dec. 11 of complications due to cancer.  What a musician Munger was! His life was built on decades of devotion to his art and the mastery of the saxophone. Munger was also a teacher of timing.  A member of a handful of popular bands, including The Steve Munger Septet and Sour Owl, the packed-house memorials at The Olympia Ballroom and The Royal Lounge are testament to the cultural influence of this amazing man. May he rock in peace. - NT

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR

A.K.A

After a multi-year hiatus, Olympia hip-hop veteran A.K.A has returned to the scene stronger than he's ever been. With help from his singing sidekick and girlfriend, Nathalie Elam, and keyboardist, Andrew White, A.K.A has some people wondering how a new hip-hop artist could seem so experienced.  To answer those wondering: He's nowhere near a new hip-hop artist.  In fact, A.K.A. has been rocking stages for over a decade in Olympia. In 2011 he once again took the city by storm after his mysterious disappearance from the music scene.  2012 seems destined to be another big year for him as he gears up to release his new album in March and continues building an obsessed fan base in the meantime. - Nic Leonard

BEST HYPE MAN

Adam of Free Whiskey

Standing at an impressive three-feet-nine-inches, Adam of Free Whiskey brings the same excitement to a Free Whiskey show that six-foot-six-inch Kobe Bryant brings to a Los Angeles Lakers game. And, yeah, I know this because I'M IN Free Whiskey too. So what. Facts don't lie. Recruited this past fall, after being spotted wylin' out in the crowd at a Free Whiskey show, Adam made the transition from spectator to performer with ease - making an immediate impact on the group.  Some might even say he's stealing the spotlight from the other members of Free Whiskey. But who cares?  Adam continuously crowd surfs and signs autographs at almost all Free Whiskey shows, and you can sometimes catch him at the merch table offering you a free CD in exchange for a peek at your girlfriend's boobs. - NL

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO FILMED AT THE CO-OP

Dub and Jender's "Droppin' The Bill"

Marijuana enthusiasts Dub and Jender filmed their debut music video "Droppin The Bill" at one of Olympia's most popular establishments, The Westside Food Co-op.  The video, shot by Portland's Beejan Iranshad, starts off with rappers Dub and Jender playing a little Mario Kart with some friends.  Shortly after, they head to the kitchen to get a bite to eat and realize they're low on munchies - soon deciding it's time to smoke a joint and take the party to the Co-op.  Accompanied by friends and a boom box, Dub and Jender walk the aisles loading up their cart with organic treats.  Hopefully 2012 brings us a sequel to the Westside of Olympia's newest anthem, and another delightful video. - NL

MOST DISAPPOINTING MOMENT IN MUSIC

The closing of Northern on Fourth Ave

Northern on Fourth Avenue was a short-lived, but well-lived, art and music venue, as well as a studio - found, refurbished and loved by the Olympia All Ages Project and K Records, and host to many creative outlets for the community. The Thermals and Wild Flag were just two of many amazing bands that played the intimate space during its time in action, and art, puppet and choir shows helped keep the calendar full. Although all-ages shows are still put on by Northern, usually at The Midnight Sun, the fate of their next, hopefully permanent, residence is still in limbo. - NT

BEST RAPPER YOU WILL NEVER HEAR ON THE RADIO

Yak Nasty

Classic songs like "Dookie On My Balls" have landed the always-entertaining Yak Nasty this award by a landslide.  One of the most controversial rappers in the South Sound, Yak continues to be Yak and says whatever he pleases without a care at all as to who he offends.  It's safe to say that unless he decides to change his approach to hip-hop you wont be hearing much about Yak unless you dig deep into the interwebs.  Even some of those annoying Facebook "groups" have invited Yak to join, only to have the admins quickly remove him once he posts his music. - NL