The Jack Richardson Music Awards should only be an occasion for some joy -- and that's true times two of the 2008 edition.

London band the Joys were named winners in the rock category at the awards, which celebrate excellence in music in London, when the 2008 JRMA trophies were handed out last night before hundreds of fans at the Music Hall.

The Joys had another reason to celebrate on the weekend. The band and its new CD, Unfold, will be boosted by a national distribution and marketing deal, signed last week with KOCH.

Joining the Joys as winners last night were London Music Hall of Famers Helix (metal) and '63 Monroe (punk) with first-time triumphs going to Orchestra London cellist Christine Newland, the London Music Club's Pete and Janice Denomme (as contributors), the Alfredo Caxaj Latin Quartet and Aeolian Hall as top live venue. (A full list of winners and honorees in 24 categories is on Page D2.)

As a member of the steering committee, I'm always happy to see a little extra buzz around the event.

The Joys' signing brought plenty of buzz. The Joys -- singer and guitarist Sarah Smith, drummer Glen (Archie) Gamble, guitarist Mike McKyes and bassist Ken Ross -- are one of London's most popular live acts.

The Joys' manager, Toronto-based Mark Watson, a former Fanshawe student, let fans know about the KOCH deal at a Saturday seminar organized by the Jacks. Financial terms were not disclosed. Unfold arrives later this year.

The KOCH news wasn't the only buzz. Legendary Canadian record producer and longtime Londoner Jack Richardson -- who graciously allows the use of his name -- was there. A standing ovation greeted Richardson as part of the Youth award ceremony.

Then there was the buzz-worthy possibility of Shad, who won the Jacks' urban category, claiming a Juno next weekend. The Kenya-born, London-raised hip-hopper has his first Juno nomination for rap recording of the year for The Old Prince (Black Box/Fontana North). Shad is at student at B.C.'s Simon Fraser University and couldn't attend last night.

Orchestra London was inducted into the London Music Hall of Fame, the first ensemble to join such previous inductees as Georgette Fry, the Lombardo family and Richardson. Retired UWO music prof Bob Hughes, 77, who remains active as a percussionist in many genres, was chosen as the 2008 recipient of the Dennis Brown Lifetime Achievement Award. Named for the late London jazz drummer, it honours lifelong commitment to music.

Among the gala performers were the Light of East Ensemble, Orchestra London violinist Mary-Elizabeth Brown, who played with rock band Hue, and Paul Langille, who claimed he was "Susan Lucci . . . always the bridesmaid," before he was announced as winning the Contemporary Singer-songwriter category.

The Youth winner Say Domino! -- representing Mother Teresa secondary school -- emerged from a battle of the bands held at Fanshawe on Saturday night.

Most categories were chosen by scores of voters in the JRMA academy, formed in Juno-style by members of the London music community.