St. Albert's classic country cowgirl, Leah Durelle, is one of the nominees for the 11th annual Independent Music Awards.
She joins more than 300 exceptional self-released and independent label artists as well as former major level acts that were culled from thousands of entries across every continent.
Winners are determined by 77 influential industry judges. They include heavyweights such as Keith Richards, Tom Waits, Suzanne Vega, Tori Amos, Bettye LaVette and Ozzy Osbourne.
There are no cash prizes, however the IMAs deliver yearlong marketing and sales support plus performance and licensing opportunities.
In addition to the industry-determined winners, music fans from around the world have until Friday, July 20, 2012 to cast their votes at The IMA Vox Pop Jukebox. Details are available at www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/11th/song/country/.
In an email, Durelle wrote: “This is an amazing honour to be nominated. Please vote for my song.”
Barbara Meyer, St. Albert’s own jazz chanteuse, hosts the inaugural Wednesday Night Jazz at Krush Ultra Lounge in Edmonton on April 11. Performing with her is the nimble-fingered Matt Day on piano along with the prolific bassist Thom Golub.
“This is a great new venue with big plans for live music. It’s a good mid-week break for you,” wrote Meyer in an email.
Krush is at 16648 – 109 Ave. Showtime starts at 8:30 p.m.
Since Alberta Ballet premiered Love Lies Bleeding, an adaptation with Elton John’s music, it has received rave reviews and standing ovations across the country.
On Monday, April 9 at 9 p.m., CBC television broadcasts Love Lies Bleeding with an intimate telling of the revolutionary theatrical ballet by director Moze Mossanen.
Through the eyes of an Elton fan, the brilliant choreography and dance explores the challenges of superstardom. The contemporary ballet stars principal dancer Yukichi Hattori.
“We are so excited that CBC will feature this inspired adaptation of one of history’s most famous entertainers. This will be a memorable moment for Canadian ballet and my gratitude is extended to CBC, the producers of White Iron and to Moze for their precious collaboration,” said Alberta ballet artistic director Jean Grand-MaĂ®tre.
Paul Finn (guitar) and Joe Piccolo (vocals/sax) are featured guests at LB’s Tuesday Moosehead/Barsnbands Open Stage.
Finn has gigged with numerous top-notch blues musicians, criss-crossed the country on many tours and for years hosted a blues jam at Calgary’s King Eddie.
“He’s a very respected bass guitarist on the blues scene and a total fireball on guitar,” said host Mark Ammar.
Piccolo instead grew up in Windsor and played with blues royalty in the Detroit scene.
“Whether you want to jump the blues or rock the night away, Joe’s lively vocals and sax will rock the house.”
The open jam runs Tuesday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at LB’s Pub. No cover.
