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Final countdown on to country music awards in P.A.

Apr 25, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Get your swagger on. Prince Albert becomes the Nashville of the Prairies this coming weekend for the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards, with more than a half-dozen events planned.

From the kick-off party at the P.A. Inn Friday evening to the high notes of the Gala Awards Saturday, the city is gearing up for a barnstorming celebration of everything country.

“Between the entertainers, bands, producers of the shows, the association executive, families and fans I’m expecting around 2,000 visitors in town,” said Shayne Morley, president of the P.A. chapter of the Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA).

As he and his team of volunteers go over final preparations, Morley said the awards are also expected to create a boost for the local economy.

“It’s going to be good for local business,” he said. “This is Prince Albert’s chance to shine and show all these visitors what we’re all about.”

After the big ice-breaker party Friday night, things will be stomping throughout Saturday with multiple events including a songwriter’s café, keynote speaker, adult and youth showcases and radio row interviews. The President’s Banquet and Industry Awards happen at 5:30 p.m. before the main event, the SCMA Gala Awards at 8:30 p.m. at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre.

Paul Lomheim will produce his 12th awards show this year, which will be emceed by Juno-winning artist Jess Moskaluke.

“The mayor will be among several local guests joining musicians in presenting the awards,” Lomheim said, “and we’ll end the show with a special tribute to the Humboldt Broncos … We’ll have people in the audience with greens lights.”

In addition to the live music, Lomheim promised a multi-media experience second to none.

“I’ve seen the video and it’s as good as the Canadian Country Music Awards, the Junos. It’s totally world-class,” he said.

The show will feature performances by some of the province’s brightest and most promising stars. The performers will include five-time nominee Tenille Arts, as well as Justin LaBrash, who’s nominated for male artist, video of the year and emerging artist of the year. Also taking the stage will be 2017 Award winners Amanda Hagel and Roland Corrigal, as well as 2017 Male Artist of the Year Brody Siebert.

On the Fan’s Choice stage will be performances by Samara Yung, Brock Andrews, Amy Nelson and Alex Runions.

“Anyone nominated for this year for Fan’s Choice will do a little sneak preview,” Lomheim said. “They’ll do a verse and a chorus, unplugged.”

Tickets for the awards show are still available.

 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow