Hundreds crowded Sunday night’s Wammies parties held around Falls Church, with regional talents playing gigs for the fans at five city restaurants, including jazz musician Esther Haynes, who performed for 125 guests at the News-Press’s VIP Reception.

Hundreds crowded Sunday night’s Wammies parties held around Falls Church, with regional talents playing gigs for the fans at five city restaurants, including jazz musician Esther Haynes, who performed for 125 guests at the News-Press’s VIP Reception. Each VIP guest walked away with a goody bag furnished by Falls Church businesses, in conjunction with the News-Press and the City of Falls Church. At 8 p.m., more than 600 guests packed the historic State Theatre to celebrate the 24th Wammies, the annual awards show put on by the Washington Area Music Association. For the first time, the City of Falls Church was represented by Mayor Gardner (right inset) speaking before the Wammies crowd.  Local musician Tom Principato was among the night’s winners, taking home his 24th Wammie as the top Blues/Traditional R&B Instrumentalist. For a complete list of the winners, check out www.fcnp.com. (Photos: Gary Mester)

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