City of Hamilton Announces Artists and Performers for the 2016 City of Hamilton Arts Awards

Hamilton, ON - May 17, 2016 - Guests of the 2016 City of Hamilton Arts Awards will enjoy inspiring local  talent at this year’s welcome reception and ceremony being held on Thursday, June 9 at the Scottish Rite Club.

This year’s tribute to Hamilton’s thriving artistic community will include:

Emcee David Brennan: Multiple Canadian Comedy Award winner (with his sketch comedy group The Imponderables).  David has appeared on Just for Laughs, The Ron James Show and stages across North America.

Suzuran Odori Dancers: The Odori Group meets at the Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre for lessons and practices under the direction of Chiyoko Izumi. Mrs. Izumi has been involved in Japanese Odori for 75 years. Her performances as both a dancer and teacher have taken her across Canada and to parts of the United States. She is 95 years old.

The Dundas Valley School of Art: The Dundas Valley School of Art is a thriving hub for artists and art instruction. Its courses, lectures and workshops bring together artists of all ages and its studios provide an exciting environment in which to learn from the masters and from each other.

Hachey the MouthPEACE: Local beatbox artist, MouthPEACE has performed with, among others, the Boris Brott Orchestra, The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Timmins Symphony Orchestra and at the 2015 JUNO Awards.

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra – Woodwinds: The Woodwind Trio is comprised of core HPO musicians seen frequently on the mainstage in Hamilton: Vivian Minden (flute), Nancy Nelson (oboe) and Melanie Eyers (bassoon).

Canadian Winter / Snow Beach Players: Formed in 2012, The Snow Beach Players is a ten-piece live hip-hop band that merges a myriad influences into an exciting live experience. Comprised of members of Hamilton groups Canadian Winter, Haolin Munk and The Kojo 'Easy' Damptey Band, as well as poet Neisha New Era and singer Fenek Fox, their dynamic is a testament to Hamilton’s talent and collaborative spirit.

Zacada Circus School: Zacada Circus School is Ontario's premier centre for circus performance training. The school develops recreational and professional level performers who wish to pursue a career in the circus arts. Zacada also offers summer camps, classes for children and adults, and stages corporate/private circus-themed events.

The 2016 Arts Awards Program is managed by the City of Hamilton in collaboration with Cobalt Connects, a non-profit arts service organization that connects artists to creative opportunities and spaces.

Ticket and event information

Tickets are free but currently sold out.

The Arts Awards program will present $33,000 in cash awards to artists in ten categories ranging from Fine Craft to Theatre to Arts Management. New this year, the inaugural Arts Innovation Award will recognize an arts leader who currently demonstrates exemplary vision, innovation, creativity, and excellence in their field. This person has expanded the impact and fostered the growth of the arts in Hamilton.

Join the Arts Awards Official After-Party hosted by the Hamilton Arts Council at The Casbah, 306 King St West (across the street from the Scottish Rite Club). For more information about this event and Hamilton Arts Week, a civic celebration of the arts during the week of June 5 -11, visit www.hamiltonartscouncil.ca/artsweek.

For more information about this year’s 62 nominated artists, please visit www.hamilton.ca/artsawards.

For additional information about the event and for high resolution photos of this year’s  artists and performers, please email [email protected] or call 905-546-2424 ext. 4270.

Media Contact:
Pam Mulholland
Cultural Projects Specialist
Tourism and Culture Division
Planning and Economic Development Department
City of Hamilton
905-546-2424  ext. 4270

[email protected]