PREPARATIONS are underway for the hosting of the Accolade Music Awards of Guyana, now in its second year and promising “to be even more dazzling and electrifying than the inaugural event.”

The ‘big night’ is slated for Saturday, November 21 at the National Cultural Centre, and will be preceded by the Official Cocktail Launch on July 31 at a venue that is yet to be named; Genesis Fashion Rhythm, which is most likely to be held again at the Promenade Gardens but scheduled for September 27; and the Pre-Awards Show on November 14.

According to a release from the coordinators, Arrowhead Promotions, judging from the reviews they’ve received, their performance last year was not just rock solid but the precursor of better things to come.

“Last year’s nationwide reviews all point to the Accolade Awards as an encouraging start, with solid performances which challenge us to be bigger and better as we seek to make these awards part of our national pride,” Arrowhead said, adding:

“These reviews of the inaugural Accolade awards have generated significant interest in sustaining this event which has been recognised for its positive impact on the local music industry.”

Noting that Guyanese and visiting guests can look forward to this year’s event being the most talked-about in the region (what with the hot line-up of local, regional and international artistes … the precious red-carpet experience and matching fashion illustrations), Arrowhead said it is confident that its plans “will capitalise on and sustain the excitement and enthusiasm of music lovers and entertainment diehards as we aim to bring together thousands of a trendy audience whose demographics are culturally diverse.”

Besides giving their assurance that they will ensure that tickets to all the events will be affordable, the Accolade Executive said the Awards will be conducted in a similarly professional manner “to those in the outer world such as, BET Awards and the Grammys, bringing on board corporate partners, experts and ordinary citizens.”

To this end, they say, their international representatives have been mobilising not just the Diaspora, but celebrity musicians and regional and international media as well to all participate in Accolade 2009.

Arrowhead says the whole purpose to the event is “to recognise, appreciate and reward local artistes and music professionals for their contributions to the developing music industry in Guyana; to extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the music industry in Guyana; to provide an opportunity for local artistes to market and highlight their talent as a product; to encourage and promote quality; as well as to increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.”

Memories of the 2008 awards, it said in closing, “still lingers in the minds of thousands, including those who fortunately had a first-hand experience of its electrifying waves and others whose impression was solidified by the reviews across the spectrum of media outlets.”