East Coast Music Award winners from Prince Edward Island are to be congratulated for their success and contribution to the province’s rich cultural scene, says Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey.
“I know all Islanders join me in congratulating these talented musicians and all participants of East Coast Music Week,” said Minister Vessey. “Prince Edward Island performers are great ambassadors of our province. The musical talent in our province is some of the best in the country, as shown by the large number of Island performers and artists who received ECMA nominations.”
The following Islanders received East Coast Music Awards during the five-day event in Charlottetown:
- Meaghan Blanchard, Country Recording of the Year (Chasin’ Lonely Again);
- Rose Cousins, SOCAN Songwriter of the Year (I Were the Bird), Female Solo Recording of the Year (The Send Off);
- Doug Gallant, Media Person of the Year;
- Lennie Gallant, Francophone Recording of the Year (Le Coeur Hanté);
- Chas Guay, Musicians Achievement Award;
- Haywire (Dave Rashed, Paul MacAusland, Marvin Birt, Scott Roberts, Ronnie Switzer), 2011 Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award; and
- Elliott Wight, Stompin’ Tom Award.
“Organizers, volunteers and participants did a tremendous job putting together a spectacular celebration of some of the region’s best music,” said Minister Vessey. “Our Island’s famous musical talent and warm hospitality was on display throughout the event, making this one of the best East Coast Music Awards ever held.”