Niagara Music Awards throw online party
Annual awards mark 13th year with a slick 90-minute video instead of usual live show
In previous years, organizer Todd Brown was a bundle of nerves before the Niagara Music Awards, juggling dozens of singers, bands and VIPs.
This year? “We just pressed play.”
An unusual show befitting an unusual year, the awards went completely online Saturday. No crowds. No parking. No crazy acceptance speeches. And while he’s itching to get back to a live show next year, Brown said he was thrilled with the tight 90-minute production.
“I’m over the moon, I think it’s way better than we even expected,” he said from a viewing party at Taps Brewery in downtown Niagara Falls. “We have world- class talent and we showed the world this is where they should be looking.”
Brown said there were viewing parties across the region, with artists texting him all night impressed with the show. Hosted by Pat Gagliardi and produced by Jukasa Media Group, the production had no lulls and more than a few surprises.
Among the Canadian artists sending videotaped well wishes were Jann Arden, Karl Wolf, Cone from Sum 41 and Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace.
“It’s our 13th season, and let’s be honest — it’s been a year,” said Gagliardi to kick off the show. “A year of isolation and unfortunately no crowds.
“But your Niagara musical artists persisted because creating is what they do. It’s in their blood and they couldn’t stop if
they tried.”
Port Colborne roots rocker Gravely James was the night’s big winner, scooping three awards for blues artist, folk artist and singer/songwriter.
He said he needed to “collect myself a little,” when contacted later.
“I am just very grateful that people take the time to listen to my music.”
Other multi-award winners were Niagara Falls crooner VALERIE ( full name, Valerie Borghesi), Niagara Falls country singer Ryan Langdon and pop punkers The Maysides.
Niagara Falls blues rocker Riley Michaels took home male
artist of the year honours. He watched the show at Taps and played three songs afterwards.
“I loved the experience,” he said. “I think everybody was a little skeptical about the process and how it was going to go, but it turned out excellent. Everyone was gathered together in the community, supporting one another.”
That was echoed by singer/ songwriter G.ORGE, who said he has been embraced by Niagara’s music scene. He was nominated for three awards.
“The community I’ve come across in Niagara is incredibly humble. I love the variety and the energy. Everybody’s your
best friend the moment you meet them.”
The show included two Global Achievement Awards for Fort Erie producer Murda Beatz, who has worked with Drake and Nicki Minaj, and Niagara Falls pianist/songwriter Stephan Moccio, who has co-written massive hits for Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus and The Weeknd.
“I miss home, I miss Canada, I miss Niagara,” said Moccio, speaking in front of his piano in Santa Monica, Calif. “It’s been a long, long time. This global pandemic has certainly not helped the situation. I miss my family, who I haven’t seen in over a
year now.
“Music has pulled me through a lot of challenging times in my life and I hope that my music has given you joy, peace, solace and some comfort throughout the years.”
The full show can be seen at www.niagaramusicawards.ca and the Niagara Music Awards YouTube page.