Lifetime Impact Award Introduced,
1st Recipient Announced:
Bob Batyko of Madison, WI

Madison, WI – August 18, 2024 Sunday, August 18th was a special evening in Madison, Wisconsin, as Red-Winged Blackbird Records announced the inaugural Lifetime Impact Awards and honored its first recipient: Bob Batyko of the Sparetime Bluegrass Band. 

The new award, introduced by Katie Powderly, Founder and Executive Director, recognizes individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the preservation and promotion of American roots music through education, community-building, or legacy projects.

Above: Poster Advertising Katie Powderly + Her Band with special guests Sparetime Bluegrass Band event at The Bur Oak in Katie's former home of Madison, WI, where the Lifetime Impact Awards Ceremony was held. Design: Powderly @ The Blackest Crow Studio

A Night of Music, Community, and Tribute  

Powderly, a former Madison resident, was back in town to perform with her band and share the stage with an old friend and mentor, Bob Batyko.

Reflecting on the evening, Katie said, 

"It was so nice to honor someone who came before me and encouraged me along my path. Without the support I received when first starting out as a young musician, I likely would not have continued to pursue playing music or writing songs."  

Above: Sparetime Bluegrass Band and Bob Batyko Photo credit: Katie Powderly

A Renewed Mission: Building a Hopeful Future Through Music

Founded in Madison, WI, 2011, and now proudly based in Frederick, MD, since 2021, Red-Winged Blackbird Records has grown from a small independent label into a dynamic arts organization.

The organization's newly-expanded mission focuses on preserving American roots music for future generations, fostering community through events, and creating a lasting legacy through recordings and media. "Red-Winged Blackbird Records events support local economies while resourcing those members of our communities who are hard at work creating a future we can look forward to," Katie explained.

Above: Red-Winged Blackbird Records Original Logo

At the Awards Ceremony, Katie shared her realization that we all have a role to play in shaping our communities: 

“Like many of us, I’ve been noticing that the world seems more divided than ever. These last 4 years have been especially tough. I kept thinking to myself, ‘Somebody should do something about that. Somebody should try to unite us around our shared values. Somebody should do something to strengthen community. Somebody should do something to give us a sense of hope for the future.' At some point, I realized that *I* am somebody, and it’s my responsibility to create the kind of world I want to live in.” 

This "embarrassing epiphany," according to Powderly, prompted a year-long effort to restructure Red-Winged Blackbird Records with a renewed purpose: creating unity and community through music and fostering a sense of hope for the future. 

Above: Red-Winged Blackbird Records Lifetime Impact Award 2024

Lifetime Impact Award: Honoring Those Who Create Thriving Roots Music Communities, Thus Perpetuating American Musical Traditions

A Lifetime Impact Award recipient at Red-Winged Blackbird Records is an individual who has made significant and enduring contributions to the preservation and promotion of American roots music, particularly through education, community-building, or legacy projects. This individual would exemplify a deep commitment to honoring and advancing the traditions of folk, country, and bluegrass music for future generations.

By recognizing these unsung heroes, the award aims to ensure that these traditional genres, which rely on oral traditions for their survival, will be preserved for future generations.

The creation of the Lifetime Impact Award was born out of a desire to shine a light on those quietly doing the important work of community-building in the context of American roots music, which aligns with the mission of Red-Winged Blackbird Records.

The inspiration for creating the Lifetime Impact Awards was also driven in part by the Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile song, "Bring My Flowers Now," which underscores the importance of recognizing people for their contributions before it's too late. “I believe in honoring and recognizing people while they’re alive,” said Katie. “So, last night, with my friends and one of my mentors present, I introduced the Lifetime Impact Awards.”  

The first recipient of this prestigious award was Bob "Bobby" Batyko, a beloved figure in the Madison/Midwest bluegrass scene and a mentor to many musicians, including Powderly herself.

Above: Katie Powderly Presenting the Lifetime Impact Award to Recipient Bob Batyko at The Bur Oak, Madison, WI, August 18, 2024 Photo credit: Stacy Sandler

Honoring a Local Legend: Bob Batyko

The first recipient, Bob Batyko, was honored for his decades-long service to the Madison bluegrass community, where Katie originally got her start. Known for his leadership of the Sparetime Bluegrass Band and his work as the current President of the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective —the organization behind the Sugar Maple Music Festival—Bob has been a key figure in supporting and mentoring Madison musicians. "Feeling welcomed and included by Bob and his bandmates helped me gain the confidence necessary to learn to play the bluegrass bass and start performing, despite being young and inexperienced," Katie shared. "For that, I would like to thank him, as it has profoundly affected the trajectory of my career in music."

In addition to his work with the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective, Bob also hosts the Sugar Maple Concert Series, helps books talent for the Atwood Fest, and helps organize the annual United Way Fundraiser bluegrass concerts at The Barrymore. He also hosts several weekly bluegrass jams for all skill levels. Bob’s tireless dedication to nurturing talent and building community has left a living legacy for future generations to enjoy.

The day after the Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony, Bob Batyko shared his thoughts on the event via Facebook:

“It was quite an evening. SpareTime got to open for the Katie Powderly band. Our first gig with the full new line-up.” [After the passing of long-time banjo player, Jim Robarts, due to cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure while serving in the Vietnam War.] “At the end of Katie‘s first set, she took time to talk about the divisions in our world today and how we need to support the positive and promote it. And to promote that positive, Katie decided to create an Impact Award to be given to those that are making that positive effort. And they awarded me the first Lifetime Impact Award for my service to the music and our music community. I am humbled and honored to be recognized like this by my peer musicians.”

Future Lifetime Impact Award recipients will be selected through a nomination process, which will be open to the public.

Above: 11 year-old Etta Byerley joins Katie and her band on stage. L to R: Starr Moss, Katie Powderly, David Havas, Etta Byerley, Shauncey Ali Photo credit: Sarah Hinkes Byerley

A Future of Hope: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

The night was filled with emotional moments, including a special performance by 11-year-old Etta Byerley, the daughter of Katie's former bandmate, Thom Byerley. Etta joined Katie on stage for a song, underscoring the importance of passing the torch to the next generation of musicians. "This music is in good hands with the next generation," Katie noted. "There is so much talent in our youngins. We just need to keep exposing them to our songs, encouraging them to write their own, and giving them opportunities to hone and showcase their talents." Through moments like these, Red-Winged Blackbird Records continues to build a vital connection between the music of yesterday and the talent of tomorrow.

Above: Backstage at The Bur Oak.
L to R: Starr Moss, Michael Falk, Katie Powderly, David Havas, Shauncey Ali

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