The biggest weekend in Canadian folk music kicks off tonight at Hugh's Room in Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Folk Music Awards has landed in Canada's largest city with a stellar lineup honouring legends, current stars and newcomers alike in a celebration of the country's diverse artistry and roots music.
The 2016 Awards show is set for Saturday night, December 3, at the Isabel Bader Theatre on the campus of the University of Toronto. The Awards are a celebration of the great and creative work of many talented singer-songwriter musicians from across Canada. The Awards also celebrate and acknowledge the many diverse forms of folk music created in the differing regions of Canada. Categories range from traditional folk to contemporary, and honour artists of English, French and Aboriginal descent. The Awards ceremony will be presented in English and French, Canada's two official languages.
Performing at the Awards show is the legendary Bruce Cockburn, an artist who has received many honours throughout is long career, including Order of Canada, Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement and induction in to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The incredibly talented Colin Linden steps away from his band mates with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings to grace the Awards stage, along with the wonderful Ennis Sisters, Red Moon Road and Klo Pelgag to round out the evenings entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here
Nominee showcases take place tonight and tomorrow morning at Hugh's Room (2261 Dundas St. West) with Jocelyn Petit, Old Man Leudecke, The Small Glories, Hillsburn and others tonight. A special Nominee Brunch Showcase will start at 11:00 tomorrow morning and will feature Rosie and the Riveter's, The Andrew Collins Trio, Keltie Monaghan, William Prince and Ten Strings and a Goat Skin. Tickets for the showcases can be purchased here and will include admission to both showcases and the Awards show. Showcase only tickets can be purchased through the Hugh's Room website.
An exciting weekend awaits fans and nominees alike as we gather to honour and celebrate the best that Canadian folk music has to offer the world. If you're in Toronto, be sure to take in the festivities of this weekend and support these fine, independent artists.
