'It's time to party': London Music Week returning live for 20-year bash

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London Music Week is back and it’ll be live.

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Forest City London Music Awards will mark its 20th anniversary in-person June 19-26 with two awards galas, industry workshops and expert panels, showcases, the Battle of the High School Bands and induction of celebrated regional artists to the Forest City London Music Hall of Fame.

It begins Monday with a public call for nominations in 23 award categories. Nominations close at 4 p.m. March 18. Voting on the nominations opens April 2 and closes at 4 p.m. May 6.

“We never thought this celebration would grow to mean so much, but it really brings the whole music community together and reminds us why we make music in this city,” said Mario Circelli founder and chair of the awards and Hall of Fame.

“It may be tricky to pluck strings or skip across a keyboard with fingers crossed, but that’s what we’re doing with plans to present live award shows at your favourite venues and London Live, a chance to sample sounds across the city.”

Entries for the band battle and applications for $1,000 Ken Palmer bursaries for one male and one female high schooler heading to post-secondary music studies also open Monday and close at 4 p.m. May 27.

See fclma.ca for details or to submit a nomination, application or entry.

Award categories cover all genres of music, from classical to pop, but there is no voting for producer or music video of the year, since these categories are selected by a jury.

When the awards started 20 years ago, “it was a simple idea to come together to celebrate the great music in the area,” Circelli said.

“(The awards) recognize the best musicians in all genres across the region and, over the years it has grown in scope and reach, becoming a week-long recognition of talent and achievement, providing support and education to the broader Southwestern Ontario region,” he said.

“This celebration supports emerging artists. It honours those working to make music, now and in the past. And after everything during the past two years, it’s time to party.”

Circelli said the Hall of Fame at 182 Dundas St. “preserves the area’s music heritage in a downtown location for all to see. ”

Highlights of London Music Week include:

• June 19: Classical, jazz, world music awards show at Aeolian Hall;
• June 22: London Live music performances at venues across the city;
• June 24: Battle of the High School Bands at London Music Hall;
• June 24: SoundCheck for Success music career and professional development day;
• June 26: Awards show at London Music Hall; and,
• June 19-26: FCLMA MusicLicious featuring special Music Week menu items at select London restaurants.

Janis Wallace, producer of the classical, jazz and world music awards show, said it’s important to acknowledge artists in these genres “because they are not always (at the) forefront. We will match their commitment to music with a celebration that honours them all.”

Pop music awards show producer Jennifer Watts said there’s pent-up demand for gatherings and promised a fun night. “We are all ready to celebrate and this will be a show 20 years in the making.”

jbelanger@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/JoeBatLFPRess