Once again the musical stars of the Comox Valley are shining brightly.
Out of 52 nominations for the prestigious Vancouver Island Music Awards, Valley musicians scooped 11.
At the top of the local list is Sue Medley's High Time, which is nominated in the categories of Vocal Performance of the Year, Best Production of a Song and Pop/Rock Song of the Year.
"I'm absolutely thrilled with my nominations," says Medley. "What's really gratifying is how they cover all the bases — writing, producing, and performing music."
"It's wonderful to be recognized by one's peers, and be in the company of other talented songwriters, producers and performers who have also been nominated," she adds. "Of course none of this would be possible without my wonderful band."
Following Medley are Brodie Dawson and Bruce and Judy Wing with two nominations each. Dawson is up for Live Act of the Year, as well as for Vocal Performance of the Year for Words while the Wings are in the running for Roots Song of the Year for Miss Your Exit and Pop/Rock Song of the Year for Lucky Lucky You.
Also on the nominee list are The Cumberland Brothers for Roots Song of the Year for Johnny, Joey Clarkson for Pop/Rock Song of the Year for Johnny the Radio, Mary Murphy for World Music Song of the Year for The Road to Lisdoonvarna and Jack Sigurdson in Best Production of a Song for Found Her Phone Book.
Both Murphy's and Medley's songs have another local tie-in as they were recorded at Dove Creek Studios.
"We're fortunate to have Dove Creek Studios right here in the Valley," notes Medley. "Paul Keim really knows his stuff and the studio is comfortable and really well-equipped."
Founded in 2002 VIMA celebrates excellence in the island music scene with the theme Look at the Stars in Our Own Backyard! The adjudicated awards ceremony is modelled after the Juno Awards with a presentation followed with a performance by one of the nominees.
In a previous interview producer and founder James Kasper noted that the event showcases the best of Vancouver Island music and provides an opportunity for musicians to network within the industry.
The 10th annual VIMA ceremony takes place in Victoria on Saturday, March 22. For more information contact Kasper at vima@jameskasper.com or visit www.islandmusicawards.wordpress.com.
Paula Wild is a published author and regular contributor to the Comox Valley Record's arts and entertainment section. www.paulawild.ca.