FIRST BATCH OF ECMA'S

It's only Thursday night, but already some hardware has been passed out at the East Coast Music Awards.  Fredericton's David Myles was the winner of the Folk Recording of the Year award, for his album Turn Time Off.  Myles was on hand to pick up the trophy at the Roots Room showcase at this year's awards being held in Charlottetown.

It's a different format for the awards this year.  There's still a major event being held Sunday night, but like most award shows, there's too many trophies to be handed out in a couple of hours.  Instead of having an earlier night of awards for some of the genre-specific categories, such as jazz, classical, folk, and hip-hop, this year the ECMA's are being handed out in a series of showcases throughout the event.  Thursday night was the first, and the folk and roots artists were honoured, plus the audience was treated to showcases by some of the best of the region's folk performers.

Also picking up an award was Dave Gunning from Nova Scotia, winning for Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year, for the disc A Tribute To John Allen Cameron.  In his acceptance speech, Gunning pointed out that the East Coast Music scene would never have happened without the late Cameron, who popularized Cape Breton music in the 60's and 70's, and served as an inspiration to generations of musicians.  The winner of the Roots/Traditional Group Recording of the Year was Newfoundland's Ennis, for Lessons Learned.  Karen Ennis was there to accept for herself and her sister Maureen.  She pointed out the duo had indeed learned a lesson, having lived in Nashville for a year, but ultimately moving back to Newfoundland, and happier for it.

Myles and Gunning are just getting started at the awards.  Both are nominated for a total of five awards each, tied for the most nominations this week.  More awards will be handed out Friday and Saturday, before the rest are revealed Sunday night at the ECMA gala.