The Kodak Theatre in Hollywood (new home to the Academy Awards) provided for a truly grand affair. Host Kevin Nealon had the tough-to-entertain industry audience rolling in the aisles.

Los Angeles Lakers cheerleaders got the party started with a dance number and later served as trophy girls.

Top secret, surprise presenters included Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founder John McEuen, comedian/impressionist Fred Travalena, actor Branscombe Richmond, “Survivor Africa” contender Kelly Goldsmith, British rocker Spencer Davis, Milli Vanilli’s Fabrice Morvan, actress Christa Campbell, members of Ambrosia, The Monkees’ Mickey Dolenz, “Dream Weaver” Gary Wright, “The Bold & The Beautiful” actor Ron Moss, mentalist Max Maven, actor Jim Gaffigan, musician Gregg Rolie, singer/songwriter Chris Stills and musician Stephen Bishop.

The event also raised enough funds to provide for a sizeable donation to the Bobby Brooks Foundation.

And the Pollstar Concert Industry Award winners for 2001 are:

Major Tour of the Year – U2

Best New Artist Tour – Alicia Keys

Most Creative Tour Package – Tony Bennett & k.d. lang

Most Creative Stage Production – U2

Music Festival of the Year – Milwaukee Summerfest

Talent Buyer of the Year – Melissa Miller, House of Blues Concerts

Nightclub Talent Buyer of the Year – Mike Krebs, House of Blues

Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue – The Gorge, George, Wash.

Artist Development Executive of the Year – Harvey Leeds, Epic Records

Third Coast (Nashville) Agent of the Year – Rod Essig, CAA

Boutique Booking Agency of the Year – High Road Touring

Facility Executive of the Year – Tim Ryan, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim

Red Rocks Award for Best Small Outdoor Venue – Greek Theatre, Los Angeles

Best New Major Concert Venue – American Airlines Center, Dallas

International Venue of the Year – Manchester Evening News Arena, England

Nightclub Venue of the Year – The Joint, Las Vegas

Theatre of the Year – Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City

International Booking Agency of the Year – The Agency Group

Independent Promoter of the Year – Jam Productions

International Promoter of the Year – Clear Channel Entertainment, U.K.

Booking Agency of the Year – Monterey Peninsula Artists

Arena of the Year – Staples Center, Los Angeles

Personal Manager of the Year – Paul McGuinness (U2)

Bill Graham Award for Promoter of the Year – Bill Silva, HoB/Hewitt/Silva

Bobby Brooks Award for Agent of the Year – Rob Light, CAA

Road Warrior of the Year – Jake Berry

Lighting Company of the Year – LSD / Fourth Phase

Sound Company of the Year – Clair Brothers Audio

Transportation Company of the Year – Upstaging

Staging / Equipment Company of the Year – Studio Instrument Rentals