Sakamoto nominated for international award

A well-travelled Lethbridge entrepreneur has been nominated for an international award.

And for Ron Sakamoto, who’s booked concerts for many years through his Gold and Gold Productions enterprise, it’s the second time he’s been short-listed for the recognition.

Taking a break from his current crossCanada tour by country star Keith Urban, Sakamoto will be heading to Nashville to attend the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s annual honours and awards ceremony.

“It’s really nice to be nominated by your peers,” says Sakamoto — who won the award in 2013.

While American impresarios dominate nominations in most

categories, the event also features an “international buyer” category. Sakamoto has been nominated along with entrepreneurs from Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland — and two more from Canada.

The final selection is based on ballots sent in by the organization’s members during August.

“It’s for all the promoters around the world,” so Sakamoto knows he’s in a highly competitive situation.

And it’s not just for country music concerts, he adds, but for music of all genres.

So “it’s a big surprise, and a real honour.”

But it’s back on the road soon after. Gold and Gold is set for its next major event, a cross-Canada tour by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

And Sakamoto says he’ll have more tours to announce soon, including stops at the Enmax Centre in Lethbridge.