PHOTOS: 2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards packed out Deep Ellum. Here’s who won.

Helium Queens made a clean sweep in their nominated categories: Best Psychedelic Band, Best Percussion and Best Piano. Photo: Jessica Waffles

North Texas artists decked out in cowboy glam for this year’s “You’re a Star, Baby” theme at the 2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards, hosted at The Studio at The Factory in Deep Ellum. By the time the first winners were announced Wednesday night, the venue had already reached capacity, forcing a one-in, one-out policy—clear proof of the community’s enthusiasm and hunger for celebrating Dallas talent.

Dezman Lehman, aka Dezi 5, the fearless leader of the Dallas Entertainment Awards, was a charming and gracious master of ceremonies. His love of Dallas and Deep Ellum radiated on stage.

Awards were presented by music industry figures deeply rooted in the North Texas scene, including people from the Deep Ellum Foundation, Dallas Observer, Dallas Music Office, music venue owners, talent buyers and more. 

A handful of winners got the chance to speak on stage, like best songs across all genres, artist of the year, song of the year, and best drag queen / king. Some took the opportunity to deliver powerful messages of resilience in the face of today’s turbulent political climate.  

Best Drag King winner Buck Wylde inspired the crowd with a rallying speech:

“We will not live in fear. We will not kneel in the face of tyranny. To my LGBTQIA+ family and my BIPOC family— we’re going to get through this just fine. Keep your heads up, stay visible, keep creating art, and keep sharing the love.”

One of the night’s biggest winners was Rosegarden Funeral Party, taking home multiple awards, including artist of the year, music video of the year, best rock song, best rock vocalist (Leah Lane), and best drummer (Dean Adams).

Other standout multi-award winners included:

  • Remy ReillyBest Pop Vocalist, Best Americana Act
  • Gracen WynnBest Pop Song, Best Pop Act
  • Cure For ParanoiaSong of the Year, Best Hip-Hop Group Act
  • Revelers Hall BandBest Live Music Residency, Best Traditional Jazz Act
  • KXT’s own Jessica WafflesBest Concert Photographer, Best Radio Host, Best Radio Show

A particularly touching moment came when Jeffrey Liles, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, took the stage. Known for his pivotal role in shaping Deep Ellum into the vibrant arts district it is today, Liles chose to dedicate his award to a legend who came before him:

“You guys, if you don’t mind, I want to give this award to somebody else. I’m gonna give it to the guy who gave me my start in the business. And that’s Bill of Bill’s Records. Bill’s no longer with us, obviously. He was never able to get one of these; but if anybody deserved it, it was Bill. He put out all of our records, he introduced all of our music to people. He was hugely influential in all of our lives. So I’m gonna give this to him.”

As the night came to a close, the Dallas Entertainment Awards once again proved itself to be a cornerstone of the local music and arts community—celebrating the artists, visionaries, and voices that make North Texas a powerhouse of creativity.

Find the full list of winners at the bottom of this article!

Loren Kole performed her song “Ashes” at the 2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Gracen Wynn was the first winner of the night, with her song “Stop the Car” winning Best Pop Song. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Dezman Lehman, aka Dezi 5, the fearless leader of the Dallas Entertainment Awards. Photo: Jessica Waffles
This year’s set of trophies honored Reunion Tower in Dallas, with DJ Brandon Blue holding it down in the cocktail hour. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Rosegarden Funeral Party performed their song “Doorway Ghost.” Photo: Jessica Waffles
It seemed like all of Dallas was packed into the room at The Studio at The Factory in Deep Ellum. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Winners received their awards and were asked to take photos at the step and repeat to the side of the stage. Photo: Jessica Waffles
We Them Grays & Cure For Paranoia teamed up to perform “Love Again,” which won Song of the Year. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Kate Siamro (part owner of Ladylove Lounge & Sound) and Jermey Elliott (part owner of Double D’s Bar) presented awards for DJs, including DJ of the Year – Willie Dutch. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Alex O’aiza performed his song “YNMA” in Spanish. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Last year’s Drag Queen of the Year May May Graves performed, and also won the title again this year. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Last year’s Drag King of the Year Buck Wylde performed, and also won the title again this year. Photo: Jessica Waffles
A snapshot in time. Can you guess who it is? Photo: Jessica Waffles
The incomparable Dezi 5 performed his song “Missing Myself” at the 2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Jo Indigo from Chilldren of Indigo (left) and Stan Fran Cisco (right) both won their categories, Best Funk / Soul Act and Best Electronic Act, respectively. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Rosegarden Funeral Party stole the show with the most awards, including major ones like Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Best Rock Song. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Astrogiirl took home Best New Artist at the 2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Larry Gee performed his song “Got To Have It” to close out the night, and also took home Album of the Year at the 2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Winners Cyfa Fix (Best Hop Hip Solo Act) and Leah Lane of Rosegarden Funeral Party grab a photo at the end of the night. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Some of the Dallas Entertainment Awards team at the end of the night: “We did it!”. Photo: Jessica Waffles
2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards Winners – page 1. Provided by DEA
2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards Winners – page 2. Provided by DEA
2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards Winners – page 3. Provided by DEA

Jessica Waffles is a freelance photographer/videographer and regular contributor to KXT. 
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