This post is ridiculously delayed, but hey – better late than never.

Anyways, yes, such a thing does exist. For 30 years, Ephraim Martin has been organizing the event, and this year’s Chicago Music Awards took place at Excalibur.

Since I was hanging out with the MIW folks, I didn’t get a chance to see the entire show, but here are the night’s highlights from my point of view:

• Aunt Vivian from Fresh Prince (the original one, better known as Janet Hubert) was there to receive an award
• The Polkaholics in their pink sequined vests and matching shoes
• Seeing Chicago artists perform, from Hot 2 Def and John Blu to up-and-coming artists like RPM and D-Wise

For a more thorough recap, check out Chicago Now.

And in case you didn’t hear, 2011 also marked the first official Chicago Urban Music Awards. I didn’t make it out to that event, but unfortunately I hear the night ended prematurely due to some drama.