Local music group Blindfold recently was honored with the MAMA award for best Alt-Indie rock band.

This is the 17th year for the MAMA, Modesto Area Music Association, awards with more than 200 bands nominated in several different categories. Blindfold consists of lead singer Chris Farris, lead guitarist Josh Anderson, Bass guitar player Kenny Pernett and drummer Johnny Shatswell. The band met through social media and actually found lead singer Chris Farris on Craigslist. They all have extensive backgrounds in music but have only been playing together for about a year and a half. They have played shows throughout the Central Valley such as Lucky Fest, X-Fest and the Stanislaus County Fair. They have also begun to play at several Bay Area bars and restaurants.

In accepting the honor, Blindfold members also said they wanted to formally thank all of the local venues that gave them the opportunity to play. Those include: The Cow Track, 50’s Roadhouse, Oakdale Sports Bar, 108 Sports Lounge and The Twisted Pig. There were 10 bands nominated in the Alt-Indie rock category and the members of Blindfold are very humbled to have won and share this award with previous winners like Stop Poetry Motion and Grandaddy.

“Thank you so very much to all of our families, friends and fans who have supported us throughout this journey,” the band members said in a statement issued following the awards presentation.