The Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Awards at the Winspear Centre drew a packed crowd of Edmonton’s glitterati to celebrate artists that have made a big impact on the cultural scene.
Former St. Albert resident and internationally acclaimed drummer Sandro Dominelli won the Molson Award for Excellence in artistic direction. And it’s no wonder.
Dominelli, who released his fourth album, The Alvo Sessions in 2010, already has an impressive resume including a Western Canadian Music Award, a Canadian Music Week Award and a Juno nomination.
Cynthia Hicks, 17, a St. Albert Children’s Theatre (SACT) alumna and a Grade 12 student at the Victoria School of the Arts, carried home the Stantec Youth Artist Award. Hicks, the daughter of Edmonton Sun columnist Graham Hicks, played the lead role of Gabriella in SACT’s last production of High School Musical.
And finally, GeriActors and Friends, an acting troupe of seniors that includes long-time St. Albert resident John Grootelar won the Telus Courage to Innovate Award.
Once again Kokopelli hosts Songquest, an annual concert designed to showcase the talents of younger singers.
Kikimasu, ages eight to 12, is polishing their presentation under the direction of Carmen So, and Shumayela, ages 12 to 16, is revelling in their Canadian repertoire in preparation for a trip to Ottawa to sing in the Canada Day celebrations.
“We started these choirs as a training ground,” says Scott Leithead, Kokopelli’s artistic director. “But they quickly surpassed that, becoming amazing choirs in their own right, with their own identities.”
Songquest is held today at Trinity United Church at 3 p.m. It is on 8810 Meadowlark Dr. Tickets are $13 to $16. Call 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.
Based on Nashville’s famed Bluebird CafĂ©, Bluebird North showcases a platform of some of the area’s top-notch songwriters. And season two continues on Sunday, April 17 with four great Alberta songwriters.
Producer and emcee Ann Vriend features Dana Wylie, Chris Smith, Paul Crescy and Andrea House, a former SACT summer instructor.
Now on her fourth album, Wylie has an expanding interest in traditional folk music from the British Isles and her song Something’s Going to Happen Here hit No. 25 on the CKUA charts.
Guitarist, composer, songwriter, producer, Smith has a professional career that has spanned 20 years. Think Le Fuzz, Painting Daisies and The Piemyn and he was there.
With three albums under her belt, House continues to be one of Edmonton’s most sought-after singers. Influenced by Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Allison Krauss and Norah Jones, House writes elegant, thought-provoking lyrics.
And finally the multi-talented Crescy writes and sings blues, Celtic and folk rock. He was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and his songs have been published in Boston, Ann Arbor and Australia.
Advance tickets are $12 or $15 at the door. Tickets are available at 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca
