Some of the top names to emerge from B.C.’s country music industry will be honoured in Langley next month when the B.C. Country Music Association brings its Hall of Fame show to Cascades Casino.
Now in its 30th year, the Hall of Fame is welcoming in 11 new inductees: Red Robinson, Ray Ramsay, Denny Eddy, Laurie Thain, Mike Norman, Farmer’s Daughter, Gerry Leiske, Tammy Ray, Redd Volkaert, John McLaughlin and Ron Sanders.
“They’re legends,” said Linda Corscadden, vice president of BCCMA.
“It’s years put into the country music industry so we like to reward them. It’s not just artists, it’s behind the scenes industry folks as well.
“The industry folk don’t get the recognition they need as much as the artists do.”
The inductees are hand-selected by a panel of BCCMA members, based on their impact to B.C.’s country music industry.
Their focus is hyper-local. To be considered for the award, music makers must have worked in B.C. for many years, or have started their career in B.C. before venturing to larger markets, Corscadden said.
“If we don’t have the artists we have no music. If we don’t have music, it’s pretty lonely out there. Music is healing to the soul, I think, and I think that’s a big part of it for sure,” she said.
This year’s show, which is happening April 10, is featuring performances by Denny Eddy, Laurie Thain, Tammy Ray and Jess Lee, a special medley sung by Farmer’s Daughter and a musical tribute to the late Mike Norman, who wrote or co-wrote many hit songs for local artists.
“I’m just excited, I think it’s a big reunion with this group that we have this year, because a lot of them have worked together closely for many years,” Corscadden said.
“Everybody knows everybody, and we’re a big family. So when we do any type of show — whether it’s our Hall of Fame or our awards show — every year is a big reunion. It’s pretty cool, I love it.”
The Hall of Fame show is being held at Cascade Casino’s Summit Theatre. Doors open at 1 p.m., show begins at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $25 (plus facility fee and service charges) and are available at Casino Guest Services at 604-530-2211 and online at www.ticketweb.ca.
