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San Diego's Top Weekend Events: Local Music Awards

A photo of the San Diego rockabilly band The Paladins.
Courtesy of San Diego Music Awards
A photo of the San Diego rockabilly band The Paladins.
San Diego’s Top Weekend Events: Local Music Awards
San Diego’s Top Weekend Events: Local Music Awards GUEST:Nina Garin, KPBS Arts Calendar Editor and Producer

The San Diego Music Awards is a celebration of local music and a night when bands from a variety of genres are honored for their work.

Since its inception in 1991, the awards show has put a spotlight on emerging artists that include now-famous names like Eddie Vedder, Jason Mraz and Nickel Creek.

In 1994, for example, Jewel performed alone with an acoustic guitar the year before releasing her first album, “Pieces of You.”

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This year's event has dozens of nominees in genres ranging from best jazz to best live performer. And leading with three nominations each are the bands Trouble in the Wind and The Schizophonics.

Trouble in the Wind is a folk-country group from Carlsbad that's unique for its mellow beach vibe. The Schizophonics, a 1960s-inspired garage rock band is a fireball of energy and is considered one of the best live bands in San Diego.

Every year, the San Diego Music Awards gives out a Lifetime Achievement Award, and this year it goes to The Paladins. The rockabilly band has been together since 1980 and was one of the first to play vintage country mixed with blues.

The 2018 awards ceremony happens Monday at The House of Blues. The event is also a fundraiser for Taylor Guitars for Schools, a program that provides free instruments and lessons for students throughout San Diego.

Find music awards tickets and additional details here.