This past weekend, the annual MusicNL Awards Gala was held at Holy Heart Theatre where awards were presented to Newfoundland and Labrador musicians across 28 different categories.
The awards were hosted by Newfoundland and Labrador comedian, Matt Wright, and featured performances by Kelly McMichael, Sherman Downey, Ofra Harnoy, Clare Follett, Carolina East, Kellie Loder, Fine Lads, Duane Andrews, The Flummies, Justin Fancy, King Sway and The Kubasonics.
The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, had the distinct privilege of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Labrador group, The Flummies. Performing together since 1978, The Flummies take their name from the traditional Labrador trappers’ bread that uses a mixture of flour, salt, and baking powder. True to its namesake, the band is known for its deep-rooted Labrador influences, including the historical, cultural and traditional songs of Labrador.
Other winners from the MusicNL Awards include:
- Album of the Year: Sherman Downey – New Beautiful
- Alternative Artist of the Year: Clare Follett
- Celtic/Traditional Artist of the Year: Maria Cherwick
- Classical Artist of the Year: Ofra Harnoy
- Country Artist of the Year: Carolina East
- Electronic Artist of the Year: Virginia Fudge
- Folk/Roots Group of the Year: Quote the Raven
- Global Music Artist/ of the Year: Ofra Harnoy
- Group of the Year: Quote the Raven
- Indigenous Artist of the Year: Jason Benoit
- Instrumental Artist of the Year: Duane Andrews
- Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year: Ana Luisa Ramos
- Music Video of the Year: Mallory Johnson and Twin Kennedy – Wise Woman (Director: Cecil Johnson)
- Pop Artist of the Year: Rachel Cousins
- Rap/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: Winnie Churchill
- Rising Star of the Year: Matthew Hender
- Rock Artist of the Year: Kelly McMichael
- Side Musician of the Year: Maria Cherwick
- Solo Artist of the Year: Kelly McMichael
- Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year: Kellie Loder
- Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year: Rum Ragged
- Event of the Year: Spirit Song Festival
- Graphic Artist of the Year: Krista Power
- Industry Professional of the Year: Natasha Blackwood
- Media Person of the Year: Greg Smith
- Music Educator of the Year: Adam Baxter
- Outstanding Company of the Year: First Light
- Venue of the Year: The Ship Pub
- Volunteer of the Year: Alick Tsui and Christopher Deacon
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation provides $350,000 annually to MusicNL to administer funding programs for musicians and to assist with the organization’s operations. MusicNL aims to increase awareness locally, nationally and internationally of provincially produced music as an art form and as a viable industry with significant impact on the economy.
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“Our province’s abundance of musical talent was on full display at the MusicNL Awards Gala on Saturday night. Both the award winners and the nominees should be proud of the contribution they make to both our culture and economy. Congratulations to the entire MusicNL team for their dedication to and advocacy for a strong and supported music industry here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“The talent that our province displayed during Music Celebration Week was world class. Congratulations to all winners and nominees. A big shout out to all of the fans for your support.”
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
Executive Director, MusicNL
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Media contact
Adrienne Luther
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca
Sarah Newell
MusicNL
709-754-2574
sarah@musinl.ca