ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — It's been a tough couple of years for MusicNL.
On the heels of reporting a deficit to the tune of nearly $200,000 in 2019, the industry association had to scale back on last year's annual awards week celebration of music, song and entertainment.
It was cut to just three days, all of which were spent in St. John's with the LSPU Hall as the base of operations.
Not long after 2019's best were honoured, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing MusicNL to take the route so many of its members have done these last 11 months: go virtual.
This year's gala will be hosted by Petrina Bromley of "Come From Away" fame and Phil Churchill of The Once.
"Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the most creative and resourceful places in the world and music is the thread that stitches our communities and our culture together," Bromley stated in a press release kicking off the week.
"I am so honoured to be co-hosting the 2021 MusicNL Awards, celebrating the fantastic people whose albums have gotten us through this crazy year.
Adding, "Oh, yeah and Phil Churchill’s gonna be there, too."
Performing from the Canadian AV Soundstage in St. John's on the big night are Rube & Rake and The Heavy Horses — both nominated for six awards apiece — along with Rum Ragged and Rachel Cousins, each with four nods. Also hitting the stage are Quote The Raven, Rosemary Lawton, David Pomeroy, Natasha Blackwood, The Hellfire Club, Silver Wolf Band and Sherman Downey.
All the live showcases are free to watch through MusicNL's YouTube page. Check MusicNL's social channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and website for the complete schedule of events.
