Calling all Island musicians

Vancouver Island musicians are urged to submit music they’ve released in 2010 or 2011 for nomination in the Vancouver Island Music Awards.

Vancouver Island musicians are urged to submit music they’ve released in 2010 or 2011 to be considered for nomination in the 2012 Vancouver Island Music Awards (VIMA). The nomination deadline is Dec. 31, 2011 for the 2012 awards, which will be held April 21 in Victoria.Musicians can find details on what and how to submit at www.IslandMusicAwards.com

Nominees will be announced in early February.

The 2012 awards will be the eighth instalment of the event.

In addition to the physical awards, which are hand-crafted by a Vancouver Island artist, 2012 VIMA winners will also receive recording packages and weekend getaways, and the Artist of the Year Nominees will arrive in style in a white stretch-limo. The 2011 gala event was held at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay. Courtenay’s Helen Austin was named the 2011 Artist of the Year, and The Irish Rovers were honoured with the “Island Classic Award” to recognize their 46-year (and counting) run in the music industry – the past 20 as Vancouver Island-based artists.

According to the VIMA website  “The goal of the Vancouver Island Music Awards is to: celebrate the Vancouver Island music scene; build awareness of this scene among the general public on the Island and across Canada; provide a networking opportunity between artists and music industry representatives; acknowledge and reward excellence in the artistry and work ethic of Island artists; empower and encourage Island artists to pursue their musical dreams; set a positive and professional example for youth and the young at heart who are pursuing a career in music.”

The 2012 VIMAs are a presentation of Long & McQuade and Kasper Creative Media.

Campbell River Mirror