A group of us recently attended “Music Mosaic” - part of Music PEI Week. With a sprinkling of concerts in between, nine music awards were handed out. It’s my first award ceremony and I might as well have been at the Grammys. 

The evening’s celebrations were held at the Summerside Harbourfront Theatre. We were center stage, a respectable 13 rows back with all shorter people in the other 12 rows, it was perfect. There were the presenters, the tension, the ever famous envelope, the smiling winners and the acceptance speeches. Every winner was gracious and sincere and respectful of the ticking clock. We were thrilled to hear, listen and watch performances by Rebels, Ashley Condon, Caroline Bernard and the incredible Lennie Gallant. 

Seated next to us were three well dressed young men, in ties no less. They were obviously enjoying the music and laughter. All three were hand drumming on their legs to every song.

The nominees were announced for “Roots Traditional Recording of the Year”, among them, “Ten Strings and a Goat Skin”. We laughed, thought that was a cute name for a group. They won. They were the young men in our row. You have never seen a more excited, humble, polite group. The audience hung on every word of their acceptance speech. After their backstage interviews, they returned to their seats, award in hand, beaming. We asked for CD’s – they had left them in the car! One of our party advised now they were PEI Music winners, never be without a stack of CD’s. We asked for their autographs. They were so nervous, they couldn’t tear the plastic off the cover.

We have that very special night etched in our memories. The album (forgive me, I’m old) is terrific and will always be a part of our music collection.

If you get a chance next year, try to attend one of the Music PEI Week events. These are our Island musicians. Better yet, don’t wait for just one week. These talented singer songwriters and musicians play and perform all over the Island, every week.

Jan Cox