CFM TO SPONSOR 2012 ECMA MUSICIAN’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, ON, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Canadian music industry will honour the music of Atlantic Canada when almost 6,000 industry professionals, talent buyers, media and record label executives from around the globe descend on Moncton for the East Coast Music Week being held from April 11TH to 15TH. The Canadian Federation of Musicians [CFM] is delighted to participate in the 24th annual conference and sponsor The 2012 Musician’s Achievement Award. Presented annually, The Musician's Achievement Award recognizes a sideman/session musician who exemplifies professionalism and quality musicianship on recordings and/or live performances of East Coast music, and deserves to be recognized for his or her cumulative contributions. This year’s recipient is Richard Gibson. A talented composer, Mr. Gibson’s work includes both the instrumental and vocal music genre, with compositions ranging from works for solo guitar to large-scale pieces for multiple chorus and orchestra. A recipient of numerous awards, including the New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor’s Excellence in Arts Award, Mr. Gibson completed his doctoral studies at King’s College in London and now teaches at Université de Moncton.
“The calibre and wide variety of musicians who hail from Eastern Canada rival the best Canada and the world has to offer, and Mr. Gibson’s contributions are an exemplary example of this excellence,” says Alan Willaert, AFM Vice President from Canada. “Our members are proudly represented throughout the Atlantic Provinces, and we salute the phenomenal impact they each have both nationally and internationally”.
The Canadian Federation of Musicians is also pleased to congratulate all of the stellar artists whose body of work is acknowledged with a 2012 East Coat Music Award nomination. Canadian Federation of Musicians illustrious members represent thirty-one of the artists and acts nominated this year, including multiple award nominees Classified’s Luke Boyd, David Myles, Hey Rosetta!, Jenn Grant, Keith Mullins, Mark Bragg, Paper Lions, Ron Hynes, The Navigators, The Trews, and Tim Chaisson.
"These Award recipients have contributed so much to the development of the East Coast music industry, and it is gratifying to be able to honour them in their home province during ECMA Week 2012,” adds ECMA Executive Director, Su Hutchinson.
Widely regarded as one of the most anticipated annual music events in the country, the East Coast Music Awards and Conference turns the local, national and international spotlight on established musicians; provides important showcase opportunities for emerging talent, and offers vital information for musicians at every level of their career. Once again, the Canadian Federation of Musicians is delighted to share their experience and insights with ECMA Conference delegates. Alan Willaert, AFM’s newly appointed, Vice President from Canada, will offer his expertise as a one of the music industry experts on the “Turn it Up” Export buyers Program Roundtable Mixer taking place on Sunday, April 15th from 12:30PM to 1:30PM. An exciting new addition this year, this event offers an additional opportunity for export ready artists, artist representatives and managers to engage with regional, national and international presenters on a variety of topics. AFM/CFM is also a proud sponsor of various showcase stages taking place throughout the entire week of events.
Liana White, CFM’s Director, Administration and Services, will be among the featured industry speakers participating in the EXPORT BUYERS PROGRAM. These one-on-one business meetings are by appointment only, and are available between 11:30AM and 1:30PM on Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th. These personalized meetings will call upon Ms. White’s expertise in addressing personal questions ranging from immigration matters to the wide variety of benefits garnered through membership with the Canadian Federation of Musicians. All conference delegates are also encouraged to visit the CFM Conference Booth located in the lobby of the Delta. AFM Local Officials from Halifax & Cape Breton, and, CFM personnel will personally answer your questions from 11:00AM to 6:00PM on April 11th through 15th.
CFM maintains an illustrious membership that includes Canada’s best and brightest professional musicians. They are represented collectively in Eastern Canada by four of AFM/CFM’s twenty-five local affiliates.
