2016 Canadian Folk Music Awards
Showcases @ Hugh’s Room & Gala @ The Isabel Bader Theatre, Toronto
December 4, 2016
Canadian talent took centre stage this weekend as Toronto hosted the Canadian Folk Music Awards, now in its 12th year. The two-day celebration featured pre-award ceremony showcases at Hugh’s Room, where nominees wowed audiences with skilful playing, powerful vocals, and insightful lyrics. The west-end venue invited artists from coast to coast to play on the esteemed stage. Among the performers were Hillsburn, who took home New/Emerging Artist of the Year, and The Andrew Collins Trio, who won for Instrumental Group of the Year.
This year’s gala took place Saturday evening at the Isabel Bader Theatre in downtown Toronto. The bilingual event was hosted by musicians Jean Hewson and Benoit Bourque. The inclusivity of language was in keeping with the spirit of the event – meant to unite and represent the impressive range of musical talent Canada has to offer.
The award ceremony festivities featured stunning performances by Colin Linden, The Sultans Of String, Red Moon Road, and Klô Pelgag. Bruce Cockburn led the final performance of the night, singing “Wondering Where The Lions Are,” backed by a choir comprised of the evening’s performers.
There was a palpable sense of community, both at the evening’s ceremony, and at the Hugh’s Room showcases. As Canada’s Folk collective celebrated the work of their peers, the overall tone was one of gratitude and respect for the musicians keeping traditional Folk music alive.
Canadian Folk Music Awards 2016 Winners
Children’s Album of the Year:
The Kerplunks – Pants & Mammals
Producer of the Year:
David Gillis – Hobo Jungle Fever by Corin Raymond
Instrumental Group of the Year:
The Andrew Collins Trio – And It Was Good
Vocal Group of the Year:
Musique à bouches – Jusqu’aux oreilles
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year:
Duane Andrews – Conception Bay
Solo Artist of the Year:
David Francey – Empty Train
Ensemble of the Year:
The East Pointers – Secret Victory
Contemporary Singer of the Year:
Jadea Kelly – Love & Lust
The Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award:
Kaia Kater – Nine Pin
Young Performer(s) of the Year:
Nick Earle and Joe Coffin – Live at the Citadel House
French Songwriter of the Year:
Les soeurs Boulay – 4488 de l’Amour
Aboriginal Songwriter(s) of the Year:
Twin Flames – Jaaji and Chelsey June
English Songwriter of the Year:
Donovan Woods – Hard Settle, Ain’t Troubled
World Solo Artist of the Year:
Willy Rios – Para ti
Traditional Singer of the Year:
Chaim Tannenbaum – Chaim Tannenbaum
New/Emerging Artist of the Year:
Hillsburn – In the Battle Years
World Group Artist of the Year:
Sultans of String – Subcontinental Drift
Traditional Album of the Year:
Princes et Habitants by Yann Falquet & Pascal Gemme
Contemporary Album:
David Francey – Empty Train
2016 CFMA Links
