Four artists with ties to southeastern Saskatchewan will represent this part of the province at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards, Sunday, April 26 in Yorkton.
Singer-songwriter Blake Berglund from Kennedy (currently on tour in Australia) received two nominations-for Male Vocalist of the Year and Roots Album of the Year, for his critically-acclaimed recording, “Jasper.”
Kennedy native and country music veteran, Eli Barsi, has earned four nominations-for Roots Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for “Portrait of a Cowgirl”, Record Producer(s) of the Year (with Bart McKay), and All Star Band (Guitar).
“I am thrilled and honoured to be nominated for the upcoming Saskatchewan Country Music Awards,” says Barsi. “This busy province has an abundance of wonderful talent, many seasoned arists and newcomers, together offering some strong Saskatchewan entertainment. It's a pleasure to be among them all.”
“2015 has already been a whirlwind of tours for us, with shows in Colorado, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia. I look forward to many shows in Saskatchewan and Alberta later this spring and summer. The fall will also be very busy as well, including a September tour in Ireland.”
“In between tours, I am in and out of the studio, writing and arranging material for the next album. My husband, John Cunningham is also a 2015 SCMA nominee, with three nominations, so I want to congratulate him as well as all of our friends in the Saskatchewan Country Music scene.”
Cunningham's SCMA nominations are: All Star Band (Bass), All Star Band (Specialty), and Manager of the Year.
Country singer-songwriter Chris Henderson has earned four 2015 Saskatchewan Country Music Association Award nominations. Like his friend Berglund, Henderson also received a nomination in the Male Vocalist of the Year category. He is also up for Manager of the Year, Song of the Year (Composer) for “I Sure Hope He Loves You” and Album of the Year, for his second release, “My Turn.”
Henderson, now based in Regina, briefly taught high school English in Carlyle and lived in Manor during his tenure in southeastern Saskatchewan. He previously won SCMA Song of the Year in 2014 for his Top 50 single, “Don't Miss Your Kiss Goodbye,” co-written with Troy Kokol and Willie Mack.
“I'm thankful to be recognized by my peers again this year,” says Henderson. “Especially amongst so much talent in the province. I really believe we have the chance to have a special scene in this province.”
“It's great to be recognized for album and song as well, because it was made in Saskatchewan with 95 percent of the work being done in Regina by many musicians, and producer Brad Prosko. I'm thankful that this project had a taste of national success, as it proves we can do some pretty awesome things, right here at home.”
This year's SCMA Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26 at Yorkton's Gallagher Centre.
For more, visit: www.elibarsi.com, www.blakeberglund.com, and www.chrishendersonmusic.com.
