Folks who felt like schmoozing and boozing could do so in the lobby without interfering with those who wanted to enjoy the always shambling but oft-entertaining celebration of local and semi-local musicianship.
Saturday night's 2 1/2-hour affair had all the classic hallmarks, both positive and less so, of BMAs past as veteran acts rubbed elbows with upstarts, former bright lights shone once again, and a few new features that should become tradition were introduced.
Aerosmith drummer and honorary BMA chairman Joey Kramer played host and if his speech was a little flat his heart was in the right place. (The BMAs benefit local charities supporting music in schools.) Aerosmith bassist, and cancer survivor, Tom Hamilton on the other hand was loose and engaging accepting a special honor. He thanked fans and family and talked about the joy of playing in "my favorite local band." He also got off the night's best quip. Observing the theater where he reunited with his bandmates in the '80s he said "It feels like another room in my house, only smaller."
This year's blasts from the past partied like it was 1989.
Hard rockers Extreme, who recently announced their re-formation and intention to record and tour in 2008, played a three-song set, including "Decadence Dance," that threatened to overwhelm the sound system.
THE WINNERS ARE . . . For a complete list of winners of the 20th annual Boston Music Awards, go to boston.comaemusicblog
Brown watched the Berklee City Music All-Stars run through a medley of his hits - including "Don't Be Cruel" and "My Prerogative" - before joining the youngsters for the tender hip-hop soul of "Roni."
The former New Edition vocalist and tabloid fixture, looking fit in a loose-fitting tux, seemed genuinely touched by his local Hall of Fame induction. Accepting the award from three of his children he said, "I don't need Grammys. I don't need music awards. I need this, I need Boston."
