The Fraser Valley Music Awards took place at The Stage on Wednesday evening, and 15 awards were presented, along with a slew of other stocking stuffers for local musicians’ holiday seasons. Below is a rundown of each performance and award presentation, accompanied with photos for access here.
Arty Awards winners The Crescent Sky (Chilliwack) opened the night
First Reign (Abbotsford) won in the Metal Category
The Springmans (Aldergrove) were awarded in the For and By Youth Category
Kellen Saip dedicated his performance to late friend Courage, who won the first Pop FVMA with John Welsh
Alexa Lynn (Surrey) was awarded the award for Excellence by an Indigenous/First Nation Artist
Kellen Saip (Chilliwack) accepted the Country award; 15 hours later his daughter, Finley Lyric is born.
Abbotsford’s TESSA performs a cover of Kristen Hall’s Let It Rain, popularized by Amanda Marshall
The Inclusivity Award for Excellence by a Queer identifying artist is awarded, with the winner providing the following statement: We feel humbled and honoured to receive this award but we’re also sad and frustrated that we can’t receive it publically because of the way our personal lives could be affected at this point in time. It’s painful to deny our queer identities as musicians. We hope that, soon, LGBTQIA2S+ people of every circumstance can be themselves without fear.
dj elixir (Mission) accepts the award for Electronic artist
Professional music video productions are awarded to Loans, The Crescent Sky, and Quintessential Jazz Band. The next installment of CIVL’s Battle of the Bands and Dakota Leslie Live Performer of the Year Award is announced for the new year.
Sydney Beau (Abbtosford) accepts the Excellence by a Female Artist, a close runner up in the Pop category
Saint Soldier and Rozsa (Cultus) perform their new song, Dark Shades – they have also been awarded a split vinyl release along with The Kwerks (Langley). They will be provided with the Digital Marketing prize together to promote this release.
Loans (Abbotsford/Mission) accept the Punk award
Sasquatch Mind Tricks is awarded in the Hip Hop category
Last year’s Folk category winner (for Future Father Figures) Tristan Smith performs (Maple Ridge)
Quintessential Jazz Band (Langley) accepts the Jazz award
Shaun Verreault of Wide Mouth Mason gives a performance and keynote address focused on challenging ourselves as musicians and music lovers, and striving to be “like your heros, not your peers.”
Blessed (Abbotsford/Mission/Chilliwack) accept the Experimental category award
Sydney Beau performs a spellbinding original song
Kristin Witko (Abbotsford) accepts the Pop category award
Fun For Cover (Abbotsford) performs, calling it their “best gig yet.”
Jenny Banai (Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford) wins the Folk category and is awarded a run of 200 Vinyl
Dear Father (Langley/Chilliwack) performs
James Buddy Rogers (Maple Ridge) is awarded in the Blues category
Warm Amps (Abbotsford/Mission) is awarded in the Rock category
Loans plays two songs to end the night