News Article

Music P.E.I. (formerly the P.E.I. Music Awards Association) is switching into high gear to present the sixth annual gala awards showcase on Friday, Nov. 10, on the Confederation Centre of the Arts? mainstage.

The biggest news to date is that Haywire will be headlining the show. The ?Bad, Bad Boys? ? Paul, David, Marvin, Ronnie and Sean ? will reunite to rock the mainstage. Tickets are available through the box office.

It is also true that Haywire member Sean Kilbride currently beats the skins for Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell, who once told me ?everyone down here (meaning Atlantic Canada) sings or plays something!?

For a small population of approximately 140,000, P.E.I. can hold its own when competing on the world stage of music, but the introduction to that stage has to start somewhere, somewhere local. Our contributions to rock, country, folk and Celtic/traditional genres are evident. But how many people are aware of Islanders? creative contributions to blues and jazz, classical, alternative, spiritual and urban? Those musicians are right here on P.E.I., and many of them will be recognized at Music P.E.I.?s gala awards show, where a total of 20 awards, including genre-specific categories and the much-anticipated songwriter of the year, album of the year and new artist awards, will be presented.

For the first time in the association?s history, the category of urban recording of the year is being activated. In order for any award category to be activated, there must be a minimum of three submissions in each category, so bravo to the urban musicians who have recorded and submitted their music.

Studio of the year, another first-time category recognized and activated in 2006, is one that typifies the solid industry that?s evolving here, creating its own waves both on and off Island shores.

For 2006, 17 Music P.E.I. Awards will be determined by the voting membership of Music P.E.I., and an additional two awards are decided by the board of directors: industry person of the year and lifetime achievement. These two awards are not publicized in advance but are announced during the awards show. It?s always a guessing game who will leave with this prestigious recognition.

So, how can you participate in the excitement of the P.E.I. Music Awards? In one word, vote. The Weekend Warrior award is one award every Islander can contribute to. Members of the public nominate their favourite hard-working musician who meets the criteria of a regular performing (original or cover material) artist over the past five years. Who do you think deserves this recognition? We are only days away from requesting submissions.

In the meantime, bookmark www.peiawards.com for the most up-to-date information on nominees, Weekend Warrior submission, voting booths, etc. There is still time to activate a membership in order to submit a vote. Don?t get left out of this exciting Music P.E.I. event and the chance to support local music.

(If you have any questions or comments on this upcoming event, do not hesitate to contact Cate MacNeill at [email protected] or by calling 902-566-5304)