The 2018 Music PEI Week is currently in full swing. Last night, the first of the Music PEI Awards was handed out with the awarding of the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Award during a concert at St. Paul’s Church. The night featured very special performances and interviews from all of this year’s nominees, including Ashley Condon, Alicia Toner, Dennis Ellsworth and Kinley Dowling, Liam Corcoran, and Nick Doneff. Naturally, only one of them got to take the award home.
“This year, we had host Matt Rainnie do an interview component during the show, which added to the intimate feel of the songwriters circle,” says Music PEI Executive Director Rob Oakie. “The audience was able to learn a bit more about each nominee.”
It was New Brunswick-born songwriter, musical theatre performer, and New Brunswick Youth Orchestra alumnus Alicia Toner who won the award. Toner’s debut country album I Learned The Hard Way was released back in September 2017. Her song, ‘Back To Fire’, which Music PEI organizers have applauded for “showcasing her tremendous songwriting ability and emotive voice,” won her the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year.
“I woke up this morning and this was not a dream. Thank you @MusicPEI, thank you to all the INCREDIBLE nominees for a beautiful night of music and thank you everyone for all the support. I am humbled beyond words,” tweeted out Toner earlier today.
“It was a great show,” said musician Rachel Beck of the nights other performances. “Kinley and Dennis were flawless. Their voices blend so seamlessly. Nick Doneff was quirky and hilarious … and also spoke about the way Liam Corcoran’s songwriting has influenced his own. Ashley Condon had everyone singing along, as always!”
The 2018 Credit Union Music PEI Week continues throughout the weekend and will conclude with the full Music PEI Awards Party on Sunday afternoon, along with the Festival Finale Closing Cocert on Sunday evening, January 28th.