EVENT PREVIEW: Windsor-Essex County Music Recognition Awards

In case you missed the article in today's Windsor Star, on April 26th, the Crime Stopper's Musical Reunion is making a comeback with it's fifth reunion show and first since 2006.

It's an all-day musical showcase of many of Windsor's bands from Windsor's long musical past, including the legendary Joe Konas, Derek Boyle, Brand "X" Live and others, held this year at Moose Lodge (777 Tecumseh Rd. West).

But the interesting thing is that this year will mark the inaugural Windsor-Essex County Music Recognition Awards, where 12 people will be voted into a "hall of fame" so to speak, with plaques being awarded and raised at Devonshire Mall (similar to the Sports Wall of Fame there). Each fall, another 12 people will have their names raised to the walls with a new class each year.

Now these twelve recipients don't have to be musicians or artists, they can be anyone who has helped Windsor's music scene over the years, be it a local DJ or bar owner. Maybe even CJAM!

The nominations are determined by YOU the voter so I suggest you take the time and let the independent music scene's voice be heard as well. However, this should not become a popularity contest. That would only cheapen the achievement. This should be an honest testament to musicians and people who have made an honest difference in our local music scene or even on the national or international stage. I could be way off here, but I'll bet bands like Luxury Christ or Jimmy Bronco aren't even on the radar for the committee (I hope I'm wrong!) and I would hope early innovators like Jack Scott, Dorothy Collins or Alexander "Skip" Spence are on the short list. Do a little thinking, do a little research, but nominate! Let's make this a community-inspired musical hall of fame, from all scenes and genres.

Either way, you can send in your nomination to Ron Funkenhauser at ronf@catchcrooks.com or call 519-255-6700, ext. 4497 and leave your nomination.

Tickets for the event are $20 and it's limited to 600 people, with the proceeds going towards Crimestoppers, and can be located at Long & McQuade (1801 Walker Rd.), Canadian Conservatory of Music (755 Tecumseh Rd. E.), Windsor Moose Lodge (777 Tecumseh Rd. W.), and Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers (150 Goyeau St.).