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NLIS 4
February 28, 2006
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Minister congratulates ECMA music and industry winners

Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today congratulated Newfoundland and Labrador�s winners of the 2006 East Coast Music Awards.

Rock band, The Novaks, were honoured with the CBC Galaxie Rising Star award, which comes with a $5,000 prize. Great Big Sea won best roots-traditional group recording for their album, The Hard and the Easy. Jazz guitarist Duane Andrews won best instrumental recording for his self-titled album. The Quintons won their first ECMA, with best gospel recording for their album Always There. Halifax-based Newfoundlander Jonathon Andrews, who grew up in St. John�s, won the award for aboriginal recording of the year. And Crooked Stovepipe picked up the best bluegrass recording award for Just In Case.

"Music is a vital part of the cultural fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Hedderson, who attended the gala event. "It was truly wonderful to be in Charlottetown and to see our homegrown artists shine at this important event. I am happy to report that they represented the talent of this province with enthusiasm and passion. My sincere congratulations to the winners and nominees."

The ECMAs also honour people who work behind the scenes for their contribution to the east coast industry.

Landwash Distribution Co, a St. John�s based music distributor that boasts a catalogue of more than 200 titles, was named record distributor of the year.

Newfoundland native Louis Thomas, president of Sonic Entertainment Group Ltd. and manager of bands Great Big Sea, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Nathan Wiley and Crush, was awarded manager of the year.

And Sandy Morris, an accomplished and multi-talented musician, producer and composer, won one of the regional 2006 Stompin� Tom Awards in honour of his long-term contribution to the music industry and for paving the way for younger artists.

"These people are the backbone of the local music scene," said Minister Hedderson. "They support, encourage and champion our artists and their music. They certainly deserve recognition for their important roles in contributing to the vitality of our music industry."

Media contact: Susanne Hiller, Communications, (709) 729-0928, 728-7762, susannehiller@gov.nl.ca

2006 02 28                       2:25 p.m.


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