Tourism, Culture and Recreation
February 19, 2007

Newfoundland and Labrador Musicians
Bring Home East Coast Music Awards

An impressive assortment of awards, performances and tributes provided a national showcase for Newfoundland and Labrador artists at the 2007 East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Sunday, February 18.

"Our award winners and performers at the 2007 ECMAs have done our province proud," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "The ECMA show is an opportunity to see outstanding Newfoundland and Labrador musicians recognized, while demonstrating their immense talent and high standing in the industry. That was clearly evident by the awards handed out to our musicians and those who work behind the scenes in the industry, and also from the inspired performances during the awards gala from artists such as Rex Goudie and Shaye. I was especially touched that one of our province�s greatest songwriters, Ron Hynes, dedicated his performance to the late Dermot O�Reilly, an outstanding and influential performer and songwriter who passed away on Saturday."

Singer-songwriter, Ron Hynes, won Male Solo Recording of the Year for his self-titled CD. Duane Andrews won the award for Jazz Recording of the Year for his CD, Crocus.

Accordion player Frank Maher was this province�s recipient of the 2007 Stompin� Tom Award. Mr. Maher has influenced generations of Newfoundland and Labrador musicians and musical groups including Figgy Duff, Red Island and Tickle Harbour. In 2003, he was given the St. John�s Folk Council Lifetime Achievement Award.

Industry award winners include Landwash Music Distribution for Record Company/Distributor/ Indie Label of the Year and Chris Smith for Graphic Artist of the Year.

"The ECMAs continue to show the quality and diversity of this province�s music community," said Minister Hedderson. "The people of Newfoundland and Labrador and this government know that we have a music community and a music industry that is vital to our cultural and social fabric. It is great to see the value of continued investment and support of the music community contributing to the growth and success of artists," said Minister Hedderson."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to invest in the arts and cultural community through a number of programs. This includes an annual allocation of $300,000 to Music Newfoundland and Labrador (Music NL) for marketing, touring, professional development and CD production. Musicians are also supported with funding obtained through the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. In Budget 2006, as part of its Culture Strategy, the Provincial Government provided $1.2 million to the arts council with a commitment for increased investment that will see its budget increased to $1.8 million annually by 2008.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2007 02 19                                                     2:15 p.m.

 


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