by WGO staff
The Slaight Music Unsung Hero is an annual legacy category award, judged by the board of the Canadian Folk Music Awards, that recognizes the exceptional contribution of an individual, group, or organization to any aspect of the Canadian Folk music scene. Nominees must be perceived as an unsung hero—someone who has received little in the way of national and/or public recognition for their accomplishments.
“In every sector of our society and community—and in the music sector especially—there are countless volunteers that enable all of the infrastructure,” says Derrick Ross, President of Slaight Music. “Without them, much of the music scene as we know it wouldn’t exist. The Canadian Folk Music Awards long ago recognized this and created the Unsung Hero Award. Its goal is to bring at least some of these true ‘heroes’ into the spotlight. Slaight Music is delighted to support this initiative and looks forward to our long-term association with the CFMAs.”
Donnie Campbell is a Canadian icon in every sense of the word. He has made major contributions as a performer, promoter and historian of Canadian folk and Celtic music. He continues to capture the hearts of listeners world-wide with his radio show “Celtic Serenade”, now in its 46th year, wherein he shares his love of music while promoting established, new or young artists. His radio show features Celtic music, homegrown Cape Breton and Atlantic Canadian artists, folk, and bluegrass.
A true “Unsung Hero”, it’s his work behind the scenes that may be most notable. He tirelessly uses his remarkable abilities to the benefit of others, raising money for numerous children’s charities, volunteering to organize events throughout the community, and performing at the drop of a hat for worthwhile causes. A hero is someone who puts others first without a thought for himself, who contributes to the greater good and who never seeks credit for what he has done. This quiet, modest and unassuming man richly deserves the title.
Campbell, who released a new record and received the 2019 ECMA Stompin’ Tom Award for Cape Breton last year, performs regularly at Kiju’s in Membertou with Jinks O’Neil, and his long-running radio program “Celtic Serenade” is broadcast live every Sunday night from 5-8pm Atlantic time on The Coast 89.7FM and online. You can also find the show on Bell FibreOp TV Channel 773 or join Celtic Serenade on facebook.
The 15th annual Canadian Folk Music Awards weekend, which was to feature a weekend of concerts, showcases, and awards shows April 3-4 in Charlottetown, PEI, has unfortunately been cancelled due to growing concerns about COVID-19. Organizers say they will explore alternative ways to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s nominees and recipients from the wonderful world of Canadian folk music in the days to come. Tickets purchased for this year’s CFMA events in Charlottetown are eligible for refunds. Details of how to obtain refunds will be posted as soon as possible. Check folkawards.ca for updates.
