London's contribution to live music has not gone unnoticed.
The city claimed three prizes at the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards held earlier this week in Toronto. The national awards are part of Canadian Music Week, which runs until Saturday.
The City of London won the Music City of the Year award, Rock the Park was awarded Medium Festival of the Year, and London live-music venue Rum Runners received the award for Best Teamwork in a Small Club.
“London continues to be a major contributor to the music industry and plays an integral role across Canada as a UNESCO City of Music," said Director of London Music Office Cory Crossman. "Seeing our festivals, venues, production companies, and individuals acknowledged for their outstanding contributions reaffirms what we have long known, London is a vibrant and diverse music community filled with exceptional talent.
London was the first city in Canada to receive the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) City of Music designation. It acquired the title in November 2021.
Fanshawe Music Industry Arts graduate, JUNO and Polaris Prize winner, Haviah Mighty hosted the music awards.
London was also nominated for the following five awards:
AV Production Company of the Year – PA Shop AV Solutions
Best Teamwork in a Major Club - London Music Hall
Best Teamwork in a Small Arena - Budweiser Gardens
Best Teamwork in a Soft Seat Theatre/Performing Arts Centre - Wolf Performance Hall
Road Warrior of the Year - Brendan Kennedy
London's recognition at the awards set the stage for the upcoming Forest City London Music Week. It is being held in London June 9 to 16 and will celebrate nearly 200 local and regional musicians.
