Doug Cox, the producer/artistic director of Vancouver Island MusicFest, is among nine new inductees into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame, joining 275-plus previous inductees recognized for their contribution to the province’s entertainment industry and cultural landscape.
Cox is a talented six-string guitarist. As a young bluesman, this devotee of bottleneck slide guitar had a life-transforming moment nearly 30 years ago when he first picked up the dobro. That eerie, slightly plangent music resonated deep in his soul and changed everything.
Cox is deeply embedded in the entire world of music. He has worked on his craft and earned the respect of his peers, and has been instrumental in putting musicians together to create many fascinating collaborations. He regularly teaches at music camps around the world, and ran his own Malahat Mountain Music label for years. Now in its 25th year, MusicFest has long been one of Canada’s most popular and respected music events.
Cox is one of two Pioneer Stars — those who have left an indelible mark on BC’s entertainment landscape. The seven StarWalk inductees — who have enhanced the province’s cultural profile, locally and on the world stage — include country singer Gary Fjellgaard and members of 54∙40.
“The BCEHOF is proud and excited to present a very diverse and impressive group of Pioneer and StarWalk inductees who represent artistic excellence in British Columbia,” BCEHOF president Rob Haynes said in a news release. “We look forward to scheduling and celebrating their individual inductions at various high-profile events over the coming months to honour their contribution.”
StarWalk Star members are recognized with a featured star on the Walk of Fame on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver and on the StarWall Gallery in the historic Orpheum Theatre upper lobby. Pioneer Star members are acknowledged on the Honour Plaque in the Orpheum lobby.
www.bcentertainmenthalloffame.com