Introducing the Bands of the 2015 Dallas Observer Music Awards Ceremony

We know what you're thinking: "A 27 Club-themed party? Damn, that's dark." And well, okay, maybe it is, but just a little bit. After all, rock 'n' roll has always had a fascination with death and, well, who wants to go to another boring-ass Spring Break or Ugly Sweater party? Our 27th annual Dallas Observer Music Awards ceremony is intended to be a celebration, which is why we're so excited to announce the bands who will be playing it.

As a tribute to the many beloved musicians who have fallen at the age of 27 — the same age as the DOMAs themselves, which makes this such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (and not just because you only die once, unless you're Steven Tyler) — we've picked out eight bands from the awards' nominees to play cover songs of artists from the Club. Those bands are:

Ishi (performing as the Doors)
Dezi 5 (performing as Amy Winehouse)
Charley Crockett (performing as Robert Johnson)
The Outfit, TX (performing as Jimi Hendrix)
Rat Rios (performing as Janis Joplin)
Mayta (performing as the Rolling Stones)
Pearl Earl (performing as Nirvana)
The Vandoliers (performing as Big Star)

The idea is that each of these bands, when they take to the stage at The Bomb Factory on Wednesday, December 9, will put their own unique spin on each of the artists they're covering. Hell, they might even dress up in character. (No pressure, y'all.) Speaking of which, this is a costume party, so guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite musicians. They don't have to be from the 27 Club; they don't even have to be dead. We just want everyone to go all-out and have some fun. Toward the end of the night, we'll pick out the best dressed.

That's not all we'll be doing to make this shitshow a party. (Or should that be the other way around?) We'll also have a mugshot photo booth, so everyone in their rock star costumes can recreate their favorite celebrities' moments of shame. There will also be a selection of one-off cocktails to honor some of the Clubbers — plus a few more plans that we'll keep under our hats for now, thank you very much.

In the meantime, voting for the DOMAs is open at 2015musicawardspoll.dallasobserver.com and will continue until midnight on Friday, December 4, the night before the DOMA showcase. While the ceremony will be free to enter, tickets start at $15 for the showcase and are on sale at ticketfly.com. VIP tickets will also be available for those seeking the deluxe treatment at the DOMA showcase. VIP includes access to all participating venues, three free drink tickets at the private bar, catered buffet and a free DOMA T-shirt.

All guests must be 21 years of age with a valid ID to attend the showcase and 18 years of age to attend the ceremony, which stars at 8 p.m.