Spinneys bring home awards, talent for weekend show

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

Kings County Register

“It was a great evening,” according to Rick Spinney.

The Spinney Brothers picked up four of the awards for 10 nominations received for Eastern Canada Bluegrass Awards in Truro October 20.

“In my opinion, one of the finest and entertaining award shows I have attended,” Spinney says, including his own two Masters Awards.

The band brought home: Vocal Group of the Year, Lead Singer of the Year (Allan Spinney), Banjo Player of the Year (Rick Spinney) and Individual Entertainer of the Year (Rick Spinney).

Spinney’s Master Achievement Awards were given for banjo playing and as entertainer.

“You are eligible to win an award up to five times,” he says. “After that, you receive your Masters Achievement Award and are no longer eligible in that category. Receiving two Masters Awards was a thrilling accomplishment.”

The night was full of energy and emotion, Spinney says. New bands on the bluegrass scene, such as Machaela Taylor & Borderline Bluegrass, kicked off the evening in the finest style.

One of the highlights was seeing a band - more specifically a band member - show heart, determination and love for the music. Recently undergoing a stem cell operation and recovering from and battling cancer, Craig Simms from A New Shade of Blue joined his band to receive the award for Gospel Performance of the Year. They displayed their talents in three numbers (absent the acoustic bass: it was too difficult for Simms to carry back and forth). They received a standing ovation - well deserved, says Spinney.

October 28, The Spinney Brothers will present their fourth annual Bluegrass in the Valley concert at Horton High School at 2 p.m. Janet McGarry and Wildwood will join them from Prince Edward Island.

McGarry is a favourite on the Atlantic circuit and the current ECBMA Female Vocalist of the Year. Joining McGarry will be her husband, Serge Bernard, along with the Valley’s own Roxeen and Ryan Roberts.

Tickets can be purchased at CD Plus in New Minas for $12.50.