Cruise in control at Niagara Music Awards
They’ve been in a theatre, a tent, an arena and a bar. But on Tuesday, the Niagara Music Awards went to church.
The crowd sat in pews as the region’s annual celebration of music moved to the former Lundy’s Lane United Church, which is in talks to be a new Niagara Falls arts hub.
“We want to do it in new venues, we want to challenge ourselves,” said Niagara Music Awards coorganizer Todd Brown. “We want to grow.”
About 300 people attended the event, which handed out more than 20 awards and offered 10 performances.
The night was dominated by Cory Cruise, who won four awards including for male vocalist and country artist of the year. The Thorold singer/songwriter has been one of the region’s busiest performers since winning a Niagara’s Next Star competition in Welland four years ago.
“It’s been extremely hard work, but the community support has been amazing,” he said. “I can’t mention it enough.”
He said the awards play an important part in the region’s music scene.
“It’s a celebration bringing a community of music together, and a night to hear stuff — because you’re playing so much — you might not get a chance to hear.”
It’s a celebration bringing a community of music together, and a night to hear stuff — because you’re playing so much — you might not get a chance to hear.” Cory Cruise
The scene certainly impressed Ridgeway producer Thomas ‘Tawgs’ Salter, who received the Special Achievement Award.
“The level of talent is incredible,” he said after sitting through Tuesday’s awards.
Salter has written and produced for Josh Groban, Chantal Kreviazuk, Lights and Walk Off the Earth, and said he played extensively in Niagara’s bar scene 20 years ago.
Host Jim Fannon, doing the show for the third straight year, said his “passion” for local music keeps him coming back.
“It’s vital to keep a bit of momentum going, and celebrate their successes,” he said.
“I don’t think we need another awards show in Niagara, but I think this is really important. This is an arts and culture award, it’s not businesses giving trophies to their friends.”
As always, the show was a loose, lively affair with friends and family cheering on nominees. Performance highlights included a duet of Picture with Cruise and country singer Chelsea Crites, a stirring acoustic piece by Paige Kopp, and a funky jam by The Bryan Sorensen Groove Trio that turned the former church into a dance hall.
The night’s other multiple winners were Avenue Inn with three and The Maysides with two
It was also a night decades in the making for folk artist of the year Ron Hurst.
“Every teenager, when he turns 55, wants to record a song,” he said.
“So that’s what I did.” jlaw@postmedia.com
Winners of the 9th annual Niagara Music Awards
Album of the year: The Jay Diem Band Original song of the year: Kevin Teng Engineer of the year: Jay Baty Folk artist of the year: Ron Hurst Instrumentalist of the year: Kevin Richard Hotte Producer of the year: Rabby Teng New group of the year: Savour the Moment Adult contemporary artist of the year: Cory Cruise Female vocalist of the year: Chloe Rabideau Male vocalist of the year: Cory Cruise Country artist of the year: Cory Cruise New artist of the year: The Maysides Progressive rock artist of the year: Avenue Inn EDM artist of the year: Glass Apple Bonzai Heavy metal artist of the year: Dorian Gray Punk group of the year: The Maysides Hip hop artist of the year: J.O.S.H Music video of the year: Mel Monaco Best bar band: Off the Record Songwriter of the year: Theatre Crisp Rock Group of the year: Avenue Inn Original group of the year: Avenue Inn People’s Choice Award: Cory Cruise Special Achievement Award: Thomas Salter Community Recognition Award: Keith Bellamy