The Peace Region was well represented at the Country Music Alberta Awards with an artist from Fort St. John, yes still in the Peace Region, Kyle McKearney took home 4 wins of his plentiful nominations. Tenille Townes would also win for Female Artist of the Year, but was not present to accept the award, actually none of the 3 nominated ladies were in Edmonton this weekend. Aaron Goodvin of Spirt River was able to snag Male Artist and Single of the Year with “Country Dance” and it is never a dull moment when Aaron is in front of mic with his speeches or presenting.
It wasn’t just the nominations but on the stage over the weekend whether it was open mic after the kickoff artists and industry awards or on the big award show itself. Kat Krys who grew up in Peace River was up for Horizon Youth Award, sadly didn’t take it home (went to Hayley Isabelle) but rocked the open mic and was great presenting an award during the show. Up for a few awards was Ashley Ghostkeeper, who may have left empty handed but made so many new fans with her quick but powerful performance of a mash up of “Future Me” and “Honey Leave It.” People were buzzing about a few things from the show and Ashley was one of them. Ashley also participated alongside Hailey Benedict (won 3 awards) and Brett Kissel with a meet and greet with Kapawe’no School from Grouard.
What excited me personally was seeing so many artists from Alberta being celebrated, especially ones who have been headliners on our River Country Rising Stars show. 9 awards were won by artists that were headliners of the show, Kyle McKearney – 5; Hailey Benedict – 3; Drew Gregory – 1 and Foxx Worthee – 1. Seeing Foxx Worthee win was a major highlight for many including myself as they were headliners on the show this past weekend where they talked about how much they would love to win the award. Them winning and the genuine reaction of shock was amazing to see and got so many people standing and cheering for them, Nicole smacking Crystal’s hat sky high in celebration was priceless as was Nicole’s part of the speech. 11 awards total would go to artist whose music has been on the show with Nice Horse and The Prairie States taking home an award. Brayden King a past headliner by far was the most entertaining performance running off the stage and through the crowd, high fiving people on root the other stage to finish up his song.
Here are a complete list of winners:
Horizon Female Artist of the Year
Hailey Benedict
Horizon Male Artist of the Year
Drew Gregory
Horizon Group or Duo of the Year
Nice Horse
Horizon Youth Award
Hayley Isabel
Interactive Artist of the Year
Hailey Benedict
Roots Artist of the Year
Kyle McKearney
Female Artist of the Year
Tenille Townes
Male Artist of the Year
Aaron Goodvin
Group or Duo of the Year
The Prairie States
Single of the Year
“Country Dance” / Aaron Goodvin
Community Spirit Award
Stirling John
Horizon Single of the Year
“Damn You July” / Hailey Benedict
Video of the Year
“Whispering Pines” / Artist: Kyle McKearney (ft. Sarah McKearney)
Songwriter(s) of the Year
“Sober” / Written By: Kyle McKearney, Lydia Sutherland, Aaron Pollock / Performed By: Kyle McKearney
Album of the Year
A Travelers Lament – Kyle McKearney
Fans’ Choice
Foxx Worthee
Musician of the Year
Lisa Jacobs (Bass Guitar)
Industry Person of the Year
Chard Morrison / Shattered Glass Music Group
Talent Buyer of the Year
Adam Oppenheim – Stampede Entertainment
Dan Clapson – Blue Jay Sessions
Visual Creative of the Year
Codi McIvor
Live Venue or Series of the Year
Cook County Saloon – Edmonton
Live Event of the Year
Calgary Stampede – Calgary
Radio Station of the Year (SM/MD Market)
96.5 CKFM – Olds
Radio Station of the Year (LG Market)
840 CFCW – Edmonton
– Everett
