Niagara Music Awards: Celebrating Niagara's Best Homegrown
By David DeRocco
Tim Hicks has one. Honeymoon Suite too. So has Pink Floyd Niagara, Sammi Morelli and The Smudge Fundaes. Probably a lot more people you may or may not have heard of can also claim to have one. Their common distinction? They all hailed from Niagara. Their connection? They’re all recipients of a NIAGARA MUSIC AWARD.
September 27th at the Battlefield Centre on Lundy’s Lane, the red carpet leading into the former United Church will be awash with a Who’s Who of the Niagara entertainment scene as the 9th Annual Niagara Music Awards unfold on stage. More important is the fact that public access tickets are available in limited quantity this year for the first time in awards history, which means you can be part of the festivities and rub shoulders with the nominees this year.
Todd Brown, a music-loving Niagara resident who is one of the founding organizers of the awards program, says the ticket offer is just another sign of the ongoing evolution of the Niagara Music Awards as a signature event for the local entertainment scene.
“The Niagara Music Awards have grown significantly over the past nine years,” said Brown. “We’ve had more than 600 artists submit with almost 3,000 submissions and we have given away 170 awards. We have household Niagara, Canadian and worldwide sensations that come from the Niagara region. It has been said over and over, but there really is something special about the Niagara region when it comes to the talent pool that lives here.”
Over 300 nominations came in this year, accepted on-line in a variety of categories. The official list of nominations were released September 13th; leading the way with eight nominations (http://niagaramusicawards.ca/NMA-9-2016-Nominees) is country artist Cory Cruise, followed by Savour the Moment with seven and such local favourites as hip hop artist JOSH and vocalist/guitarist Mel Monaco joining a wide variety of local artists up for awards.
While most artists understand the subjective nature of award shows and the futility of trying to determine “the best” in any musical category, the fact the awards exists has helped bring credence to the local arts and entertainment scene. Brown says a win is another great line on a resume for local artists looking to book gigs.
“The artists and the community are the ones that make it possible,” said Brown. “These music artists commit their lives to what they're passionate about. There have been many who have said that winning a Niagara Music Award is a nice thing to have on their resume. It allows them to differentiate themselves when they're promoting themselves to venues and festivals.”
The fact the awards have not only survived nine years but continue to grow is a testament to the people involved. Brown is certainly thankful for the sponsors who continue to support the arts in Niagara.
“It is a coming together of amazing talent, community spirit, and local business owners. It truly is something for all of us to be proud of. We couldn't do it without the support of groups like epoch Avenue, G3 designs, all of the local media support and the music lovers that seem to be everywhere in the Niagara region. I feel very blessed just to be in the presence of the talented people we have here in Niagara and the passion they bring their day-to-day lives, it's inspiring.”
Doors for this year’s award show ceremony open at 6:30 pm and the show will run from 7:30 - 9:30. Guests will walk the red carpet, pose for the paparazzi, enjoy almost a dozen performances, and see the best of the best be recognized for their efforts. A post-event tribute to The Tragically Hip is also part of the evening’s agenda.
For more information visit www.NiagaraMusicAwards.ca.
