The recipients of the Canadian Folk Music Awards were announced this weekend at the 12th anniversary gala event at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. Hosted by musicians Jean Hewson and Benoit Bourque (La Bottine Souriante) in a bilingual gala event, Canada’s folk music community came together for a stunning evening of folk music with performances by Bruce Cockburn, Colin Linden, The Ennis Sisters, Sultans Of String, Red Moon Road and Klô Pelgag.
Nineteen award categories were presented at the gala. Songwriter and guitarist David Francey won two awards – winning Solo Artist of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year for his expressive album Empty Train.
Alongside David Francey, Ontario had a strong showing this year, winning seven other awards during the evening. Jadea Kelly was named Contemporary Singer of the Year for her album Love & Lust, an atmospheric and emotional folk album. Sarnia’s Donovan Woods, well known for his songwriting talent, having written for performers ranging from Tim McGraw to Alan Doyle, was lauded as English Songwriter of the Year for his record Hard Settle, Ain’t Troubled. Innovative and forward thinking banjo-picking artist Kaia Kater, now a resident of Toronto, was awarded The Oliver Schroer Pushing The Boundaries Award for her album Nine Pin. The vibrant genre-straddling group Sultans of String were named World Group of the Year.
Established by Canada’s folk music community, the Canadian Folk Music Awards is currently its 12th year.
