Awards Night
The Red Carpet was just as we have seen on television many times. All the artists, managers, promoters, buyers, etc, walked along, picking up programs and standing for pictures in front of an ACMA backdrop. Omnipresent photographer Bill Borgwardt was there with the biggest camera in the world. Borgwardt is very good at what he does and has been covering the country music scene in Alberta for many years. Recently he has a new site where you can see a whole mess of his work. Check them out here, ACMA Smugmug.
Cocktails and chit chat followed, running into everyone you knew and didn’t know was the order of the next hour. I caught up with Cheryl Barkhouse and K-Leigh Schofield from Katavallo Entertainment Group. They do a ton of interviews and have a showcase, Somewhere In Alberta, that runs at the Canadian Country Music Awards, showcasing Alberta artists on the national stage. Dinner is served!! The buffet was good, not great but good and had a little something for everyone.
Following dinner, the hosts of the evening, Emerson Drive front man, Brad Mates and the ever entertaining Jackie Rae Greening from CFCW Radio took the podium. They, along with Jody Seeley behind the scenes, would keep the show rolling. Performances on stage were plentiful, most by nominees and were kicked off by Blake Reid. Hailey Benedict, who has been on a real roll since her on stage encounter with superstar, Keith Urban, was up next. She was followed by Jamie Woodfin, The Orchard, Nice Horse or the acrobats as the legendary Ian Tyson called them all evening. It was a tough act to follow those energetic girls, but Mr. Tyson did a fine job. The voice is not like it was but he has made adjustments and with a lone guitarist to join him, he played what he called the greatest western song and yes, I have forgotten the name. I will find it and make a note in next month’s Muse. Prior to his performance, Mr. Tyson was inducted into the ACMA Hall of Fame. Karac Hendricks, Brad Saunders, Renegade Station, Mikaila Cooper and Lauren Mayell, whose newest release, If It Ain't Fixed, just broke the Top 100, closed out the nights entertainment.
In between there were some awards handed out. Here is a simple list.
Horizon Youth Award – Sydney Mae Male Artist – Dan Davidson Female Artist – Alee Group of the Year – The Dungarees Entertainer of the Year – The Road Hammers Song of the Year – Barn Burner by Dan Davidson and Clayton Bellamy Single of the Year – Barn Burner by Dan Davidson Video of the Year - Anywhere With You by The Dungarees Album of the Year - Bad Habit by Alee Rising Star – The Dungarees Musician of the Year - Mitch Jay
The ACMA had a contest to find the Ultimate Alberta Country fan and that honor went to Dallas Wymenga who had a basket of prizes including being the one to announce the Fan’s Choice Award. That went to Dan Davidson.
Lest you think the night was over….. WRONG!!!!! Guitars and whiskey were everywhere, all weekend and till dawn’s morning light, to borrow a line. This was my first time to the ACMA’s. I will definitely be returning and look forward to bringing an experienced eye and as such, an in and out of the goings on, to you all next year. Till March’s Muse, have a great month.
Coverage and article:
Jazz Matthews