Last night we hosted the first half of the 2009 Best of the Beat Awards, presenting Deacon John’s Lifetime Achievement in Music Award, individual musician awards, and music business awards. OffBeat’s Kyle Petrozza was on hand to take some shots of the guests during the opening reception.

See all of last night’s award winners here.

The real party is tomorrow night at House of Blues. There will be free food from many of New Orleans’ best restaurants and free drinks courtesy of Glazer’s Distributors from 6-7 pm. Music will start at 6:30 and go all night, with a brief interlude for the presentation of the remainder of the awards.

For more info-including a full list of performers and restaurants-and to get your tickets in advance (take advantage of our 4-pack special) head to offbeat.com/bob09.

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