Mighty Middle-Earth Minstrel Awards (M3)

[mark12_30]

From Wikipedia:

The Grammy Awards (originally the Gramophone Awards ... is one of four major music awards shows held annually in the United States (the Billboard Music Awards, the American Music Awards, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, make up the rest). However, the Grammys, usually held in February, (last of what are considered the "big three" music awards shows, including the BMA and AMA shows) are considered the approximate equivalent to the Oscars, in the music world.

And the Middle-Earth equivalent would be...? Bilbo Music Awards. Anduin Music Awards. Rocky Hole Hall of Flame-- Burn up that fretboard, Roggie baby, you're smokin' now. Best pyrotechnics around.

The first inductees into Musical Immortality would, according to Tolkien, have been Tinfang Gelion, Daeron, and Maglor. At some point Luthien Tinuviel would surely have been inducted. The list would be long.

And so we arrive at the War of the Ring, the end of the Third Age. The Mighty Middle-Earth Minstrel awards for this century will, no doubt, focus on music inspired by Frodo's quest, as it has been much discussed, and of it many songs have been sung. The list of nominees is long and varied.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The hall was filling, and rumors were flying. Who would be the Master of Ceremonies? Bilbo?

A greyhaired hobbit crossed the stage, to thunderous applause. He waved, chuckling, and took his place center stage. He held an envelope. He turned and waved, and was followed by a tall, darkhaired elf. "Come, Lindir, you may have all century but the rest of us don't!"

Lindir joined him carrying a clipboard, made from mother-of-pearl. Bilbo tapped it.

"Nautical theme, eh? A hint perhaps?"

"It won't be long; I won't spend my century here. Shall we begin?" He faced the audience, and they grew silent, waiting.