The best way to celebrate the new year is to examine the old. Below are my picks for the semiregular, sort-of annual Stevie Awards, named for and picked by yours truly. Though that sounds conceited, it should be noted that, as should be the case, no actual award is ever won. Recipients walk away with only my admiration. Here are last year's winners.

LOCAL ALBUM

WRECKING BALL, DEAD CONFEDERATE: You could argue that this release isn't really local, because the band no longer calls Augusta home and the album was recorded in Austin, Texas. Why do that, though? I live in Columbia County - Dead Confederate country - and am proud to know that friends and neighbors are capable of producing such a searing, serious and altogether rocking record.

BAND OF THE YEAR

48VOLT: Three of my favorite tunes this year - Girls of West Texas, Lights on the Boulevard and Five Years - came from this retooled band. Now all that's missing is the definitive recording. Look for a long-overdue profile next week.

LOCAL SHOW

DANNY RAY TRIBUTE: Although not every musician who performed at the February tribute to legendary James Brown hype/cape man Danny Ray calls Augusta home, each will forever be connected to the city, thanks to associations with Mr. Ray and the Godfather himself. The band on that historic evening at 209 Music Lounge featured former members of Mr. Brown's band, each showing love and giving generous musical gifts to an important part of the Godfather's legend.

VENUE

SKY CITY: The recently rehabilitated downtown club has fantastic sound, bountiful bookings and an atmosphere that encourages small talk and big bands. Although open less than a year, I find it difficult to imagine what Augusta would be like without Sky City.

VISUAL ARTIST

LEONARD ZIMMERMAN: He is the rare artist who can work quite seriously in a whimsical way, and his paintings combine pop-culture kitsch with hard emotion and extraordinary levels of skill and talent.

FUNDRAISER

ED TURNER AND NUMBER 9 PLAY THE WHITE ALBUM: These Beatles tributes are magnificent shows highlighting some of Augusta's most talented players, and each time Mr. Turner and company roll out a new Beatles bash, the proceeds go to charity. They could make a mint off these shows but clearly have decided that all you need is love.

TOURING SHOW

AVENGED SEVENFOLD/BUCKCHERRY/SHINEDOWN/SAVING ABEL: Though not the finest performance by an outside act -- that honor might go to Unknown Hinson at Sky City in October -- there were no performances quite as important as this bill, also in October, at James Brown Arena. After 10 loooong years away, rock returned to the arena, and its success seems to have paved the way for more shows.

FINE ARTS PERFORMER

DANA CHESHIRE: Ms. Cheshire has been part of Augusta's theater scene for several years and has always been a strong performer. In the past year, she blossomed as a fearless actor who excels in both comedy and drama.

ARTS ADMINISTRATOR

PATTY ANN SMITH: Ms. Smith has led the Augusta Ballet for two years, helping guide the organization through a period of intense change and scrutiny. Whether booking stars from the New York City Ballet or dealing with the details of the Slow Dancing installation at Augusta Common, Ms. Smith has handled her duties with aplomb and a good deal of humor.

NEWCOMER

THE WESTOBOU FESTIVAL: Seriously, how cool was Westobou? Sure, it was exhausting and sometimes overwhelming, but having so many options, so much to see and do and experience over a 10-day period in September, was extraordinary. I can hardly wait for the next festival.

ARTS ORGANIZATION

THE GREATER AUGUSTA ARTS COUNCIL: We sometimes forget how many balls the arts council is charged with keeping in the air. It is not only the presenting organization behind the Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival but also handles the granting of funds, the Grassroots art program, various educational endeavors, and it provided support to the Westobou organization. Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it.