Ever since we started publishing OffBeat in 1988, we've wanted to do something special to honor the great musicians and music industry people here in New Orleans-an awards event where musicians and music industry folk can celebrate their accomplishments and honor their peers.

We wanted to give the members of the New Orleans music industry-not just a small selection committee-the opportunity to vote for the winners. So we created the OffBeat "Best of The Best" Music Awards. This gi...