'Jammy' Awards for Underground Musicians Gain Prominence

March 15 -- For years, there have been countless bands tirelessly playing in front of ever-growing crowds. These so-called jambands, known for their propensity to improvise, continue to thrive under the radar of mainstream music.

Regularly overlooked by radio stations and major record labels, these unconventional musicians survive by creating allegiances with their fans through relentless touring. In an era where it is easier to sell concert tickets than albums, these bands may have the right idea.

The jamband community is a rare, loyal breed of fans. While radio stations and record companies constantly rush to capitalize on the latest musical trends, these organic, grass-roots rockers consistently attracts more fans and more attention through its dedication to the music itself.

"This has been in many ways a pure grassroots community that has helped to support a whole range of musicians through their fervid allegiance to the music." Said Dean Budnick, Author and Co-Founder of the upcoming Jammy Awards, "I think that musicianship is clearly one of the defining elements of the artists within this scene."

The fourth annual Jammy Awards, which take place Tuesday night at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, will showcase the scene's best and brightest. As a testament to the genre, the ceremony will focus on the musical performances, not the awards.

This event, along with others such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee, has garnered more attention from the media with each passing year. These events give major musicians such as Norah Jones, Neil Young, and John Mayer a chance to mingle and collaborate with jamband mainstays such as Phish, Gov't Mule, and The Derek Trucks Band.