|
Tourism, Culture and Recreation February 8, 2008 Local Musicians Have Strong Presence at 20th East Coast Music Awards Newfoundland and Labrador�s exceptional musical talent will be on display this weekend at the 20th East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs), to be held February 8-10 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minster of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will attend the awards event on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "The ECMAs have grown to become a highly-anticipated, entertainment and industry event in Canada, and has been a launch-pad for many of the country�s best-known musicians," Minister Jackman said. "I am looking forward to seeing artists from Newfoundland and Labrador showcase their abilities � and perhaps even win some awards � this weekend." Minister Jackman noted that the creative industries contribute not only to the social and cultural fabric of this province, but to the economy as well. "The Provincial Government has recognized the importance of supporting professional artists in the creative process," the minister said. "For example, through the $17.6 million cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador � The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, we have more than doubled annual funding for grants and programs to the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and increased funding to Music Newfoundland and Labrador from $200,000 to $300,000 a year." Newfoundland and Labrador musicians and industry representatives nominated for the 2008 ECMA awards are: Ron Hynes, Entertainer of the Year Kelly Ann Evans and Janet Cull, Gospel Recording of the Year Dana Parsons, Pop Recording of the Year Shaye, Pop Recording of the Year, Group Single of the Year, Broadcast of the Year hey rosetta! Group Recording of the Year Amelia Curran, SOCAN Songwriter of the Year George Morgan, Instrumental Recording of the Year The Punters, Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year Shanneyganock, Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year The Cormiers, Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year The Irish Descendants, Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year Don Brownrigg, Rising Star Recoding of the Year, Folk Recording of the Year The Northern Ramblers, DVD of The Year Lyle Drake, Industry Professional of the Year Avondale Music, Record Company of the Year Dant� Hiscock, African-Canadian Recording of the Year Landwash Music Distribution, Record Company/Distributor/Indie Label of the Year "With more and more artists from this province gaining success, not just locally, but on a national and international level, it is obvious that our continued investment in this area is paying off," Minister Jackman said. The East Coast Music Awards, Festival and Conference is an annual event organized by the East Coast Music Association. The ECMA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering, promoting and celebrating East Coast music locally and globally. The 2009 ECMA awards will be held in Corner Brook. -30- Media contact: 2008 02 08 11:15 a.m. |
|
|
|
All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server. Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement |
