Tourism, Culture and Recreation
October 15, 2012

Minister Congratulates Music Newfoundland and Labrador Award Winners

A week dedicated to musicians in the province wrapped up last night at an awards gala hosted by Music Newfoundland and Labrador, which are celebrating their 20th anniversary. The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, attended the ceremonies and extended congratulations to all award winners.

“Over the past 20 years, Music Newfoundland and Labrador has played a significant role in supporting and encouraging musicians in this province,” said Minister Dalley. “The annual schedule of events gives artists the chance to work with industry professionals to hone their skills and learn how to successfully promote their music. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, there were a series of free showcases and performances this year, which brought even more exposure for the artists involved.”

At the awards gala, Minister Dalley presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to the family of the late Peter Narvaez, folklorist, ethnomusicologist, and nationally recognized blues musician.

“The Lifetime Achievement Award is an appropriate way to pay tribute to Peter Narvaez, a local blues legend and leader who gave tremendously to the Newfoundland and Labrador music community,” said Minister Dalley.

Among some of the awards handed out this year, Repartee was named Entertainer of the Year, Chris Kirby and Craig Follett received SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, and Mark Bragg for Alternative Artist or Group of the Year. Some of the genre specific winners included Repartee who was also awarded Pop/Rock Artist/Group of the Year and The Once for the Folk/Roots Artist/Group of the Year. For more information, visit www.musicnl.ca.

“I’m so thrilled to celebrate the continued growth of the music industry in Newfoundland and Labrador on our 20th anniversary,” said Denis Parker, Executive Director of Music Newfoundland and Labrador. “Our success has been a result of the amazing talent in the province, as well as the generous support by the Provincial Government and our community partners.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future invested $350,000 in annual operational support to Music Newfoundland and Labrador.

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• Photo 1: Repartee, a synth-pop band, took home five awards at last night's Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards Gala in St. John's. They won every award for which they were nominated. October 14, 2012
• Photo 2: The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to the family of the late Peter Narvaez at the Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards Gala. October 14, 2012

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2012 10 15                     11:15 a.m.