Local favourites Arkells, Laura Cole and Harrison Kennedy were the big winners at the Hamilton Music Awards, handed out over a weekend-long celebration of the city's vibrant music scene.

More than 500 musicians, industry folks and fans made for a lively crowd at Theatre Aquarius Sunday night, the day after an industry awards night honoured behind-the-scenes people who make Hamilton's music scene tick.

"This city has got some serious pedigree," said host Ian Thomas. "I think we should all bang our lunch pails and celebrate it."

The Arkells topped the weekend with four honours, three from Sunday night's gala and one from Saturday's industry awards night. They earned wins for Rock Recording of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, as well as Record of the Year and Canadian Recording of the Year by People's Choice, for their album "High Noon."

"Special thanks to all the places we ate lunch," said singer Max Kerman in a video recording, referencing the Burnt Tongue and Bonanza Bakery, among other lunch hotspots. "I can't wait to eat lunch together again."

Rock singer Laura Cole, bluesman Harrison Kennedy and classical guitarist Strat Andriotis took home three awards each.

Cole earned Female Artist of the Year, New Artist/Group of the Year and Adult Alternative Recording of the Year for her record "Dirty Cheat."

"It's been an amazing first year out of the gate," she told the crowd.

Kennedy took the Male Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the year and Blues Recording of the Year categories, for his album "This Is From Here."

"I feel good," he exclaimed in a not-too-shabby James Brown impersonation as he took the stage.

Andriotis earned his honours in the Instrumental Record of the Year, Classical Composition of the Year and Classical Recording of the Year for "Liars Incorporated." All three of the guitarist's awards were handed out at the Saturday event, also held at Theatre Aquarius.

One unconventional winner at Saturday's gala was Yitka Karlik. She became famous locally last summer when her colourful music video, "Wonderbus #2," hit YouTube, extolling the unique charms of the Barton Street bus.

"It has now more than 18,000 views," Karlik said while accepting her award Saturday night. "Imagine 18,000 views with three minutes of laughter each time. That's a lot of laughs. I dreamed about this for over eight years. I'm so thrilled, I'm shaking."

Sunday's gala also included tributes to the year's three lifetime achievement award winners, guitarist Brian Griffith, recording engineer Bob Doidge and Spectator music editor Graham Rockingham.

"Writing about music is just as important as hard news if not more," said Rockingham, to whoops from the audience. "The vitality of art and culture in a community is the indicator of a community's health. Right now we're living in a real healthy community."

The awards are chosen by panel of about 20 local industry experts. The Saturday and Sunday galas capped off a weekend of concerts throughout the downtown, a youth talent search and an industry conference.

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