Each year, the Canadian Country Music Association holds its star-studded awards extravaganza, the CCMAs.
The nominees were announced this week and three Prince George connections were among those shortlisted for the coveted country hardware.
On the music side of the event, Dallas Smith was nominated for four awards himself plus one for his video director, and they were some of the biggest categories (Fans' Choice, Male Artist, Interactive Artist/Group of the Year, Single of the Year for the song Cheap Seats, and that song's earned Stephano Barberis a nomination for Video Director of the Year).
Smith is not from P.G. but his guitar player Jer Breaks is Prince George's own.
Likewise, country band Washboard Union is up for four trophies, again among the bigger of the categories. They are in the running for Group/Duo, Roots Artist, Rising Star and their song Maybe It's The Moonshine is up for Video of the Year.
Washboard Union is a trio, but their regular supporting band includes Prince George's Jimmy Baldwin (he's featured in that nominated video).
On the support side of the industry, another nomination came to a former Prince George resident.
Radio station CJJR-FM's Docc Andrews was tapped as one of the finalists for Music Director of the Year (Large Market). Before the move to Vancouver, Andrews was a popular broadcast personality in this city.
The winners are announced at the glitzy televised awards showcase that finishes up Canadian Country Music Week.
This year the big night is Sept. 11 from host city London, Ont.
