NASHVILLE – A hammered dulcimer and flute duo from Crete, an operatic-trained rock singer, and a singer/guitarist/keyboardist who calls his music “folk with fire” won honors at the Second Annual Pagan Music Awards.

Belthain, the Crete duo composed of Erik Belenos on vocals, hackbrett (hammered dulcimer), bass, and percussion, and Samaela on vocals, flutes, and percussion, won Best Group for 2018.

Singer-songwriter Rowena of the Glen (Rowena Whaling) won Best Female Artist for the second year in a row. Singer/guitarist/keyboardist B. Willie Dryden won Best Male Artist.

Honorees at the Second Annual Pagan Music Awards included Best Male Artist B. Willie Dryden, left, and Best Female Artist Rowena of the Glen, second from left. Gina LaMonte, second from right, presented the Mama Gina LaMonte/Nine Toes the Bard Community Service Award to Kyrja and Randy Withers and their organization Hands of the Goddess – Florida. Celia Farran, far right, accepted the Best Group award for Belthain, a Crete duo composed of Erik Belenos and Samaela. [Photo courtesy of IPMA Facebook page]