Warren Musicians Take Top Awards at JAM

Warren residents Joe Cerisano and Michael Arrom were named among Jersey's best musicians at the Jersey Acoustic Music Awards, Sunday at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, in Ocean Grove.

Michael, a student at The Pingry School, was named Top 18-under Instrumentalist. He performed at the awards events with his duo partner, Shannon Corsi.

Michael has participated in the Grammy Camp music program for several years, gaining professional performance experience, and was part of a band backing up singer Keith Urban at the 2012 American Country Awards broadcast. 

Cerisano was named the Top Male Songwriter. Local audiences have heard Cersano perform his original tunes, as well as popular covers at local events, including the township's Under the Stars concerts. His musical career includes auditions with Black Sabbath and a lengthy stint as a featured singer in advertising and promotional videos.

He was the subject of a film by Kyra Willans called "Carbon Copy," which dubbed him "The Most Anonymous Singer In America."

The JAM awards recognize the best original New Jersey musicians, with nominations and awards based on online voting, as well as input from club managers and music professionals.