ECMAs name honorary winners ahead of May awards weekend in Charlottetown
The East Coast Music Association announced it will give honorary awards to 10 Atlantic Canadians at the ECMA awards weekend, May 1-5 in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Cape Breton singer-songwriter Bruce Guthro, who died in September 2023, will receive the director’s special achievement award, which recognizes “an exceptional contribution to the music industry on a national and/or international level,” the association said in a news release.
Another posthumous award will go to Newfoundland and Labrador blues musician Denis Parker, who died in February 2024.
He will receive the Dr. Helen Creighton lifetime achievement award, given to “an individual or group who has had a profound and lasting effect on the Atlantic Canadian music industry,” said the release.
“The ECMA board of directors is proud to recognize the dedication and commitment of our industry professionals,” Debbie Mullins, chair of the ECMA, said in the release.
The other award recipients are:
- P.E.I. bass player Deryl Gallant — musician’s achievement award
- Nova Scotia music producer John Poirier — industry builder award
- P.E.I. singer-songwriter Scott Parsons — Bucky Adams memorial award
The Stompin’ Tom awards recognize one person in each of the ECMA’s five regions:
- Newfoundland and Labrador musician Pamela Morgan.
- Nova Scotia musician Ian Alistair Gosbee.
- Cape Breton choir director and educator Stephen Muise.
- New Brunswick promoter and record store owner Zachary Atkinson.
- P.E.I. radio host and singer Kerri Wynne MacLeod, who died in February 2023.
The ECMA will host its annual festival and conference in Charlottetown from May 1 to 5, which includes the awards show on May 2, hosted by Rose Cousins and Damhnait Doyle.
P.E.I. group The East Pointers leads the ECMA award nominations this year with seven.
Jenn Grant of Nova Scotia has six nominations, as does Tim Baker of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Most of the honorary awards will be given out at a second awards ceremony on May 5.
