Fred's Records among local ECMA honourees

East Coast Music Week is still three weeks away, but the association has announced who will receive honorary awards at this year's ceremony in St. John's.

St. John's-based Fred's Records, who have been in business since 1972, will be given the Industry Builder Award.

Marc Chouinard will be presented with the Director's Special Achievement Award.

Fred's Records and Chouinard will be presented with their awards on April 9 at the Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay.

John White, who was a fixture on CBC Television's All Around The Circle, will be honoured posthumously with the Stompin’ Tom Award. 

Max MacDonald, Frank Barter, Jeff Goodspeed and Mac Campbell are also recipients of The Stompin’ Tom Award, which is given to those who have made a life-long contribution to local music.

Dr. Tom Gordon, Professor Emeritus at Memorial University's School of Music, will be presented with the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award.

Glenn Simmons, member of the Wonderful Grand Band and co-founder of the Fables, will receive the Musician’s Achievement Award on April 11 at JAG hotel in downtown St. John's. 

Holy Heart concerts added

In addition to announcing the honorary award recipients, the East Coast Music Association has revealed three musical showcases that will take place during East Coast Music Week, April 8 to 12.

Newfoundland folk band Shanneyganock will join Brianna Gosse, Tim Chaisson, James Hill, Anne Janelle, Alan Jeffries and Vishtèn for a CBC East Coast Music Hour with David Myles showcase.

The Secrets, Blair Lane, Angie Rogers, Dan Bursey, Infinitely More and Kellie Loder will take the stage at the ECMW Gospel Showcase. 

Vishtèn will take the stage for a second time, for the Music PEI Showcase with Ten Strings and a Goat Skin, Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, and The Count and the Cuban Cocktail.Tickets are on sale for the three shows on the ECMA website.