Carolyn Bertram, Prince Edward Island’s Minister responsible for culture, congratulates all those involved with the province’s successful participation in the East Coast Music Awards this past weekend in Corner Brook Newfoundland.

“I am especially happy for the Grass Mountain Hobos who captured the ECMA’s best bluegrass album of the year award. It was a real pleasure to see them build on the success of their recent PEI Music Awards recognition,” said Minister Bertram. “I had the good fortune to see almost all of the Island artists who performed in Corner Brook; PEI certainly had a big impact on the event. The quality of our artists is at the highest level and I want to thank all the musicians and supporters who went to Newfoundland.”

The Minister also extends thanks to the PEI Music Industry Association and its director Rob Oakie for all their hard work in preparing artists for Corner Brook and ensuring that the province was well represented. “While the artists on stage are the focus of the public’s attention, I want to acknowledge the work done by the music industry and by agents and managers who recognize the importance of the ECMA in building careers, making the market connections and selling PEI music around the world.”

For the first time ever, Atlantic Canada’s biggest party, the East Coast Music Awards, Festival & Conference, was held in Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Minister Bertram had the pleasure of attending the event and would like to extend her thanks and congratulations to the people of Corner Brook. “I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who made all the Islanders attending feel so welcome in their community. I know how dependant this event is on volunteer participation. This is the smallest community that has ever hosted the event and I can see that the residents certainly rose to the challenge.”

Details about the East Coast Music Awards, along with the full list of winners and nominees, can be found at: www.ecma.ca