Alberta’s Country Music Association held their 9th annual awards weekend in Red Deer last weekend. The sold out award show, hosted this year by Jess Moskaluke, was the largest to date and offered up a lot of fun – and learning leading to the awards show Sunday night festivities.
Edmonton based bands, The Dungarees and The Prairie States, dominated the awards show with nominations and wins. Of the 13 awards that were presented, they collectively walked away with 5 … but what about everything leading up to the awards that you wouldn’t have seen on the ACMA live feed via Facebook?
The award for Best Photobombing goes to Katie Rox and Krista Wodelet of Nice Horse … we think Aaron Goodvin and host Jess Moskaluke would agree!
Katie Rox, Aaron Goodvin, Krista Wodelet, ACMA Awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
Katie Rox, Jess Moskaluke, Krista Wodelet, ACMA Awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
… but even when they weren’t stealing their friends’ spotlights on the Red Carpet, they were workin’ the cameras solo! We’ve already recommended, more than once, that they should become the official photobombers! Does it really matter if things get slowed down just a tad? Maybe we could get some “Nice Horse” wranglers to keep them corralled while they work?
Krista Wodelet, Katie Rox, ACMA awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
Gotta give a shout out to the men of country … they were really werkin’ the poses on the red carpet like seasoned runway models! … these are just a few examples …
They say radio is a tough business … CFCW’s own Jackie Rae actually hosted a Roundtable session on “The Realities of Radio” at the start of the weekend. While artists may not literally end up bruised, let’s say it helps to have a thick skin and the mentorship of people like Jackie willing to take the time to let emerging artists pick their brains to garner invaluable hints and tips from decades in the industry.
The Pre-Show hosts this year were Katie Rox (with her “Nice Horse” and James Murdoch (with his “Dungarees” wearing doll “action figure”) …
… they both made sure to NOT push the some of the sponsors (Redneck Royalty & Troubled Monk) while fulfilling their podium duties, including listing off some of the Industry Awards that were presented the night before at the Kick-Off Party.
It seemed like this year’s host, Jess Moskaluke had as much fun hosting as the audience enjoyed having her! There was even a little bit of ribbing the ladies of Nice Horse from her “appearance” on their Alt-CCMA awards they “hosted” on their Instagram channel last fall leading up to the ACTUAL awards show. Head over to their account for all their versions of the nominees and awards … and if you catch it on YouTube, be sure to share you comments!
We’re giving CFCW’s Jackie Rae Best Tuba Player … even though she was the ONLY tuba player … and unfortunately didn’t get a chance to show off her skills when “OK Pony” (consisting of 1/2 of Nice Horse along with the some other female nominated artists)
Alberta music legend Ivan Daines was this year’s inductee into the Hall of Fame as an industry builder. You’d be hard pressed to find an Alberta country artist who hasn’t performed at his infamous “Friends & Hero’s PickNic” that’s currently about to celebrate it’s 44th year … he’s also released several albums and continues to write songs about current events. Before his successful and lengthy career in music began, Ivan was incredibly successful on the rodeo circuit … so much for he also received an induction into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame back in 2005.
Ivan Daines, ACMA awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
… and once the awards were officially handed out, there was even more fun on the Red Carpet … now was the time for the winners to get photos with their awards …
Musician of the Year – Johnny Gasparic (Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Dobro, Mandolin)
Johnny Gasparo, ACMA Awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
Video of the Year & Group of the Year – The Prairie States
The Prairie States, ACMA Awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
Rising Star Award (& biggest Red Carpet smile!) – Ryan Lindsay
Ryan Lindsay, ACMA Awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
Female Artist of the Year – Mariya Stokes seems to effortlessly hold up Fan’s Choice Award winner Ben Chase … because it IS 2020!
Mariya Stokes, Ben Chase, ACMA Awards 2019, PhotoByEGO
Be sure to check out the ACMA YouTube page as well for coverage of the awards ceremony. Also, check out the ACMA website to get added to some up to date details on where the ACMA artist members are performing as well as being the first to hear about how to get in on all the fun for next year’s extra special 10th Anniversary plans! Maybe they’ll live stream Red Carpet Antics as well, with enough fan encouragement … maybe!
Group / Duo of the Year — The Prairie States
Fan’s Choice — Ben Chase
Rising Star — Ryan Lindsay
Female Artist of the Year — Mariya Stokes
Single of the Year — “Twenty Something” / The Dungarees
Community Spirit — The Dungarees
Male Artist of the Year — Drew Gregory
Entertainer of the Year — Tenille Townes
Song of the Year — “Better in a Bar” written by Drew Gregory & Aaron Goodvin / Performed by Drew Gregory
Album of the Year — “Twenty Something” / The Dungarees
Musician of the Year — “Johnny Gasparic (guitar, bass, banjo, dobro, mandolin)
Video of the Year — “Just Maybe” / The Prairie States
Radio Station of the Year — Sun Country / High River
Talent Buyer of the Year — Carla Hackman / Sakamoto
Venue of the Year — Cook County Saloon / Edmonton
