For the first time in eight years, the Canadian Folk Music Awards are returning to the East Coast. During April 3 and 4, 2020, the 2019 edition of the awards weekend will be held in Charlottetown, PEI.
The announcement was made today with the release of a video featuring Kimberly Sinclair of SpinCount, Grit Laskin of CFMA, musicians Jocelyne Baribeau and Catherine MacLellan, and Rob Oakie of Music PEI.
The fact that the folk music festival is being hosted in Charlottetown won’t be the only first for the festival this year. CFMA have decided to deviate from their typical December schedule and instead host their awards ceremonies in April, when the snow has melted (as least partly) and there is less risk of travel interruptions.
“After 14 years, of nail-biting concern that flights are not delayed and roads aren’t snow-covered, along with the fact of venues typically programming holiday shows on the December weekends we’d always prefer, the CFMA Board has made the decision to shift its Awards weekend to the spring,” says CFMA Board Chair Grit Laskin.
“We found a spot on the calendar, early April, that doesn’t conflict with other awards or music conferences or showcase events for artists. This will be our new annual schedule, going forward, beginning with our first visit to PEI—a fitting destination to celebrate our 15th year!”
And fitting it is. PEI is home to many great folk artists, including, among others, the East Pointers, Catherine MacLellan, Vishtèn, Irish Mythen, Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys and Lennie Gallant.
“We love our folk music and we love to throw a party so this is the perfect excuse to visit one of the friendliest and prettiest places in Canada,” says CFMA Board Member Rob Oakie.
Submissions for the 2019 CFMA will be open in April, and the two awards shows will be open to the public.