Each year, the Josie Music Association hosts an awards competition for independent artists. Last year, 38,000 submissions from a variety of categories resulted in almost 1,000 nominations across a broad range of musical styles and genres. Gunter won Vocalist of the Year in the country/male category, and also won the all ages vocal competition. 

Gunter will next appear at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds on Thursday, Oct. 7, alongside Tricia Ann, Ryan Perry Band, Kayla McKinney, Shooting Creek, J Creek Cloggers, Gene Pool and Shane Aikens. 

The event, a benefit for victims of the recent floods that impacted Haywood County, begins at noon and is a partnership between the Ricky Gunter Band and Hillbilly Jam. 

Call 828.734.4317 or visit www.facebook.com/rickyguntermusic.