Manitoba Music

TWO TROPHIES AT THE 2ND ANNUAL APCMAS

November 3, 2007

Manitoba artists brought home two awards from the second annual Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, held over two nights at McPhillips Street Station and the MTS Centre, on November 1 and 2 respectively.

Darren Lavallee picked up an award for Best Fiddle CD -- a category dominated by four Manitoba nominees – for his latest album on Manitoba-based label Sunshine Records, Backroads Fiddlin. Singer/songwriter Little Hawk and his latest release, Home and Native Land, on another Manitoba label, Arbor Records, won for Best Aboriginal Music by a Non-Aboriginal.

The stunning, nationally-televised gala event took place at the MTS Centre on November 2, opened by a traditional grand-entry ceremony with hundreds of dancers in traditional dress and a large group of drummers. Approximately 4,000 people took in performances by Cross Lake metal act Prodiggy and Winnipeg-based singer/songwriter Don Amero.

The first awards show of its kind, the APCMA’s provides an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal music to the rest of the world and to expose Aboriginal recording artists to a national fan base, music industry, and media. It is the only awards show where the fans determine the winners through online voting. The APCMAs were part of the second annual Manito Ahbee festival, which was attended by 20,000 people and included a two-night music festival, trade show, education day, and a spectacular two-day Pow Wow.

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Hank Horton on Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A bunch of us guys watched the "Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards" on APTN television November 2, 2007, held at the MTS centre. For one thing, we couldn't afford to be there to support this special event for the artist. The thing we like about the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music awards is that, you cann't blame the people or the artist for this years poor reception. As you may already know, alot of people we're dissatisfied with the show, including alot of recording artist. We only garnered two awards as a province, that's how many awards I won last year by myself. We are very disappointed and sad we didn't win anymore awards. If we had to rate the awards show from 1 to 10, along with other viewers in Manitoba, we would give it a five and that falls between good and bad. I believe you'll be getting alot of constructive criticism from Manitoba viewers and should be taking seriously. We all must do better next year and I'm gonna work my butt off to win an award or two and bring back that enthusiasm we had last year. Winning two awards last year and not being recognized fully by the Manito ahbee organizers is something beyond my belief. As a proud member of "MARIA", I'm pleased to voice my honest opinion and I believe the people in Manitoba should be giving that same opportunity. And maybe, and just maybe, someone will listen. We as recording artist should stand united and voice our concern's. If it wasn't for the recording artist, we would have no show jones. United we stand. Good nite and take care.

Hank Horton on Monday, November 19, 2007
Hello to all recording artist viewing this site, Question, Do you think that the "Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards" 2008 should award the winners an honorarium?. Please send your answer to sirhank_2@hotmail.com. Look forward to hearing from you.