Female folk musicians dominated the 11th annual Canadian Folk Music Awards, which were given out last night in Edmonton. 19 awards were handed out, and our province won 5 of them — that’s more than 25%! Eastern Canada almost swept the awards, winning 17 of 19. lt was also a great year for duos, including our very own Fortunate Ones.

Amelia Curran – They Promised You Mercy

Contemporary Singer of the Year
English Songwriter of the Year

The English Songwriter of the Year category was possibly the stiffest competition of all this year’s categories, featuring songs from Whitehorse, Catherine MacLellan, Fortunate Ones, and Jon Brooks. Amelia was up against Canadian favourite Catherine MacLellan in both of these categories (as well as solo artist, for which Amelia was also shortlisted).

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Fortunate Ones – The Bliss

Vocal Group of the Year

Fortunate Ones were also shortlisted for English Songwriter of the Year and Emerging Band of the Year. The Young Novelists went on to win Emerging Band of the Year.

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Matthew Byrne – Hearts & Heroes

Traditional Album of the Year

Matthew was also shortlisted for Traditional Singer of the Year, which went to Montreal’s Michael Jerome Browne.

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The Swinging Belles – More Sheep, Less Sleep

Children’s Album of the Year

Newfoundland’s swing band for kids are having a great year. They’re also currently on the shortlist for this paper’s very own Borealis Music Prize. Kids and parents alike are taken by them … and takin’ to the dancefloor wherever they play.

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