Ahead of the awards ceremonies being held on July 10th and 11th, the East Coast Music Association has announced the first wave of recipients of the 2020 Honorary East Coast Music Awards.
The challenges of 2020 have necessitated a fair amount of restructuring to the annual celebration of the East Coast music industry’s best and brightest, but the ECMA is determined to do them justice. The recipients will be honoured with an awards show broadcast on CBC full of pomp and ceremony, albeit subject to some scheduling constraints.
Several of the awards will be presented during the Awards broadcast proper, while more will be awarded during the Friday night pre-show presentation.
The East Coast Music Association has unveiled the first wave recipients for the 2020 Honorary Awards, marking special achievement within the industry.
Directors’ Special Achievement Award:
Measha Brueggergosman: Measha began her career committed to the art of the song recital, and has presented innovative programs at Carnegie Hall, Washington’s Kennedy Center, and throughout the UK and Europe. Her first recording for Deutsche Grammophon, Surprise, is one of the most highly regarded debut albums of recent years, while her recording of the Wesendonck Lieder earned her a Grammy nomination. Off the stage, Measha is just as active: 2017 saw the release of her memoir (published by HarperCollins); she appears regularly on primetime TV (most recently advocating on behalf of contemporary Canadian literature); and leading children across the country in song, in a nationwide campaign for music education.
Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award:
Shanneyganock: Shanneyganock are a Newfoundland phenomenon. The group has released 13 recordings with sales in excess of 100,000 copies, and their music has been featured on hundreds of compilation recordings. They’ve been recognized with numerous ECMA and Music NL awards and nominations, headlined at major festivals, and toured across Canada, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and even the North Pole, all while promoting and preserving the music and songs of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was Shanneyganock’s music that served as the inspiration for the Tony-nominated score “Come From Away,” and the Shanneyganock songbook is a genuine reflection of the rich musical culture and history of Newfoundland.
Industry Builder Award:
Tony Murray: With over twenty years in the music industry, Tony Murray is a foundational figure in Newfoundland and Labrador, producing shows for CBC television, for the ECMA, MusicNL and NLAC Awards, and for local venues like The Ship Pub and The Rock House. Murray began his foray into the world of music in the 1980s when acts like Tina Turner, Corey Hart, and Supertramp were rolling into town to play shows at the old Memorial Stadium. For him, each show, whether big or small, is extremely important. Tony has won many awards and has produced numerous award shows, but it is working with the artists that gives him the most satisfaction.
Musician’s Achievement Award:
Kelly Russell: A professional musician since 1975, Kelly Russell has been a member of landmark groups Figgy Duff, The Wonderful Grand Band, The Plankerdown Band, Bristol’s Hope, The Irish Descendants, The Punters, and Kelly Russell & The Planks. One of Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading traditional music promoters and performers, his Pigeon Inlet Productions label released over 30 LPs and CDs from 1979 to 1997. He has been recognized with The Marius Barbeau Award for his significant contribution to Canadian folklore, designated as the Province’s first Tradition Bearer, awarded The Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, and named to The Order of Canada.
The Directors’ Special Achievement Award, Industry Builder Award and Musician’s Achievement Award will officially be presented on July 10th during the Pre-Awards Show, which will be streamed on Youtube at 3:00 p.m. AT. The Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award, however, will be presented during the televised special, airing Saturday, July 11th at 9:00 p.m. AT on CBC TV in Atlantic Canada and on CBC Gem across the country.
The televised Awards Show special will also feature a tribute to the legendary Ron Hynes in celebration of his induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The tribute will reunite longtime members of his backing band and acclaimed artists such as Shaye, Joel Hynes, and Lennie Gallant.
“Up until his passing, Ron Hynes was passionate about his craft, and many songwriters from Newfoundland looked up to him as an inspiration to their art,” says Vanessa Thomas, Executive Director of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. “With his trademark broad-brimmed hat and love for his province, his impact on the culture and artists of Newfoundland is unmatched.”
The ECMA will also be hosting a live radio broadcast on CBC’s Weekend Morning radio show Saturday, July 11th. The radio show will see the presentation of five additional honorary awards: the Stompin’ Tom Awards.
The 2020 East Coast Music Awards show will be broadcast at 9:00 PM AT / 9:30 NT on CBC TV in Atlantic Canada and on CBC Gem across the country. The show will also be available on-demand on CBC Gem following the broadcast.
Friday, July 10th (3 p.m. AT / 3:30 NT)
Tune-in Friday, July 10th to the ECMA Facebook Page or Youtube Channel for a special feature on all of the award winners, the industry awards, the honorary recipients and to remember those we’ve lost in the East Coast music community.
Saturday, July 11th (9 p.m. AT / 9:30 NT)
ECMA is thrilled to announce a special pre-recorded broadcast of the 2020 East Coast Music Awards presented by TD. Taking place on Saturday, July 11, the celebratory two-hour special airs at 9 p.m. AT / 9:30 NT on CBC TV in Atlantic Canada and on CBC Gem across the country. The show will also be available on-demand on CBC Gem following the broadcast.
For a full list of the 2020 East Coast Music Award nominees click here.