Halifax - Prince Edward Island’s Jon Matthews was among four recipients of a Stompin’ Tom Award here Saturday during the East Coast Music Awards Industry Brunch.
Matthews, an accomplished musician, record producer and recording engineer,
shared that honour with Claudine Theriault, founder of a New Brunswick music distribution company, Cape Breton fiddler Joe Peter MacLean and Neil Bishop, a musician from Newfoundland and Labrador. Matthews is from Cape Breton and has lived on Prince Edward Island since 2002.
In accepting their awards Matthews and his co-recipients paid tribute to Connors and his contribution to the cultural fabric of this nation.
Theriault evoked Connors memory when she began to stomp on the stage, prompting others in the room to join her.
The producers of the industry brunch turned back the clock with a vintage piece of film culled from the CBC archives in which Connors stomped his way through a rousing version of Bud The Spud.
Those attending the brunch also joined in singing a promotional jingle Connors once recorded to promote P.E.I. as a tourist destination.
In addition to the presentation of the Stompin’ Tom Connors Awards, the East Coast Music Association presented awards to members of the music industry and the media.
Several nominations had gone to companies, organizations and media from P.E.I. but unfortunately there were no winners from the Island.
The list of winners and recipients is as follows:
Graphic/media artist of the year - Jud Haynes
Live sound engineer of the year - David Hillier
Management/manager of the Year - Louis Thomas
Media outlet of the year - CBC Mainstreet Nova Scotia
Media person of the year - Jimmie Inch
Music merchant of the year - Fred’s Records
Vintage film of Stompin' Tom's Bud the Spud had feet stomping -
Studio engineer of the year - Jamie Foulds
Studio of the year - Lakewind Sound Studios
Venue of the year - The Carleton Music Bar & Grill
Producer of the year - Daniel Ledwell
Musician’s achievement award - Cathy Porter
Industry builder award - Glen Meisner
Stompin’ Tom Award - Claudine Theriault, Jon Matthews, Neil Bishop and Joe Peter MacLean
Volunteer of the year - Jim Power
Event of the year - Halifax Pop Explosion
Twelve surprise 25th anniversary awards were presented to recognized individuals who have consistently contributed to the East Coast Music Association through their support, membership, and involvement over the past 25 years.
The industry professionals who received these awards have had careers throughout the history of the ECMA, are from and have resided primarily in the Atlantic Region throughout their careers, and are still active today.
Those recipients, a number of whom are past ECMA winners, include Sheri Jones, Peter Hendrickson , Louis Thomas, Shelley Nordstrom, Mike Campbell, Andree Gracie, Max MacDonald, Brookes Diamond, Geoff D'Eon, Bob Mersereau, Bruce Morel and Glen Tilley .
“The ECMA is thrilled to honour the industry players who have developed and fostered the music industry and the East Coast Music Association with this special 25th Anniversary Award,” said Heather Gibson, ECMA Board Chair. “We thank them for their passion and commitment to Atlantic Canadian music over the past 25 years.”
