Ten Austin music acts were awarded $10,000 grants each on Nov. 8, when the non-profit Black Fret organization hosted its inaugural Black Ball gala at the Paramount Theater. The winners — Gina Chavez, Amy Cook, Lincoln Durahm, Erin Ivey, Elizabeth McQueen, Mother Falcon, Quiet Company, the Rocketboys, Wild Child, and Graham Wilkinson — were picked out of a pool of 20 nominees, all of whom got to perform for Black Fret’s members (patrons of local music who each ponied up a $1,500 donation) at private showcase parties throughout 2014. The Black Fret nominees also had the opportunity to consult with industry mentors and professional advisers, ranging from entertianment lawyers and managers to publicists and studio owners.

All of the winners (except for Wild Child) performed at the Black Ball, too, along with fellow nominees Emily Bell, East Cameron Folkcore, Jonny Gray, Elias Haslanger, Jitterbug Vipers, Little Radar, and Danny Malone.

BIG BALL IN AUSTIN TOWN: The Black Fret family of nominees, mentors and founders onstage at the Paramount Theater. (Photo by Dave Pedley)

BIG BALL IN AUSTIN TOWN: The Black Fret family of nominees, mentors and founders onstage at the Paramount Theater. (Photo by Dave Pedley)