Pitchfork: PLUG Awards Performers Revealed

In these times of Diebold machines, shifty redistricting, and contested elections, it's good to know that there's one place left in this country where your vote still counts. And that's "American Idol".

No, seriously, if you haven't voted for the PLUG Awards yet, what's your problem? Get thee mouse a-clickin' here ASAP, and help honor the indie music industry's best and brightest. All your favorite bands and artists (Animal Collective, Antony and the Johnsons, Bloc Party, Bright Eyes, Broken Social Scene, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Devendra Banhart, MF Doom, The National, Sleater-Kinney, Spoon, Sufjan Stevens, yadda yadda yadda) are nominated for categories including Artist, Album, Song, Video, and Live Act of the Year. In addition, labels, radio stations, record stores, magazines, DVDs, festivals, and websites (including, ahem, us) are all up for awards.

However, the most fun part of the PLUG experience will be the awards ceremony itself, which will take place on February 2 at Webster Hall in New York City. A slew of nominated artists will perform: Cage, Beans and the Holy Fuck, Emiliana Torrini, Chad Vangaalen, Mr. Lif and Akrobatik as the Perceptionists, Celebration, six-nom PLUG kings the National, and a super-secret surprise guest. Last year the surprise was Sufjan Stevens, so only God Him/Herself could top that.

Funnyman Aziz Ansari will host the affair, and James F!@#$%^ Friedman will serve as the house DJ. The awards will be presented by a host of luminaries, including Matisyahu, Langhorne Slim, Rob Crow, Gang Gang Dance, TV on the Radio (2004's PLUG Album of the Year winners), and some dorks from Pitchforkmedia.com. There will also be a series of industry workshops, hosted by Indie Night School, taking place at Webster Hall in the afternoon before the awards show.

Just like the voting process, the soiree is open to the public, and tickets are on sale now.