Hank Snow Tribute a huge success

Hank Snow Country Music Centre Society Administrator and Tribute Chair, Donna Wamboldt said, “It was excellent. We had a marvelous time.”

Talented musicians from across Canada and the United States treated the Tribute crowd to an outstanding four-day event. Paul Maulaison gave his popular Guitar workshop, and Joyce Seamone did her song writers circle. Blain Henshaw hosted open mic this year.

A portion of the day gate will be donated to “Kids Help Phone.” Tara Haley, Associate Philanthropic Giving & Communications officer was present for the opening remarks.

Returning to the stage again this year from Prince Edward Island were Nudie and the Turks who gave an excellent performance on Saturday night. The crowd was lively and ended the show with a standing ovation.

New to the stage this year was the Wishing Wellers of Toronto, Ont. who claim their name from a Hank Snow tune, the Wishing Well. David Redford and his wife Jean of Mountain View, Arkansas performed on the Sunday Gospel show. David was last year’s winner of the Sounds like Hank Contest and was thrilled to return to Nova Scotia for the gospel segment.

Jeremy Melanson from Grand Desert, Nova Scotia won the popular Sounds Like Hank Contest, sponsored by D’Addario Canada. Second and third places went to Karl Levy of Chester and Bob Burke from Saint John, NB respectively. George Longard of Halifax won the Guitar Picking Contest, sponsored by C.F. Martin Guitar. Second and third places in this contest went to Hank Boucher of Havre Boucher, Antigonish Co. and Paul Moulaison of Tusket, Nova Scotia.

The winner in the Best Dressed Group for Saturday only was Shirley Olmstead and Spur of the Moment. The winner in the Best Dressed Individual category was Don Miller.

Wamboldt wishes to thank the musicians who volunteered their time and talent in addition to all the volunteers who helped organize and operate the large event.

The 19th Annual Hank Snow Tribute will be held Aug. 13–16, 2009 at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds in Bridgewater.

For more information, contact Wamboldt at the Hank Snow Country Music Centre at 354-4675 or info@hanksnow.com.

With files from Mark Roberts