Music News Digest, Nov. 13, 2019

By Kerry Doole

Montréal-based indie-pop singer-songwriter Bayla is the Grand Prize Winner of Canada’s Walk of Fame 2019 Emerging Musician Program, sponsored by RBC. She receives $20K cash, recording time at Metalworks Studios, introductions to music industry executives, and album cover artwork design.

Second prize and $6K cash went to Shylo Sharity, with $4K awarded to the three other finalists in the contest, Clay and Friends, Dave Sampson, and The Sun Harmonic. Over 1,600 hopefuls from across Canada made submissions.

–  A request by The Weeknd to reduce the scope of a copyright infringement lawsuit brought against him by three British songwriters has been denied by a California federal court. The suit was filed by Brian Clover, Scott McCulloch and Billy Smith, who claim The Weeknd copied their 2005 song I Need To Love for his song A Lonely Night. US District Judge Percy Anderson denied this request, insisting that the plaintiffs had met what is known as the “plausibility standard” that has been adopted by the US Supreme Court. Source: Digital Music News

–  The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has opened artist submissions for JunoFest Presented by CBC Music. This music series takes place during Juno Week and showcases over 50 artists of all genres in multiple venues across Saskatoon, SK. JUNOfest will be produced by Saskatoon's Broadway Theatre, led by Kirby Wirchenko, Executive and Artistic Director. Canadian artists interested in participating can apply online here from now until Dec. 20. Selected artists will be contacted in Feb.

–  The 2019 Manitoba Country Music Awards were held on Sunday night. Kendra Kay and Leanne Peterson each won two trophies, while Cindi Cain was inducted into the Hall of Fame. See a full list of winners here

– Long before Rumours and all the soap-opera intrigue, Fleetwood Mac was a pioneering British blues-rock band. This oft-overlooked era is being remembered at a one-off concert put together by Mick Fleetwood. Set for Feb. 25 at the famed London Palladium, the lineup includes Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Zak Starkey, Steven Tyler,, and Bill Wyman.

“The concert is a celebration of those early blues days where we all began, and it’s important to recognize the profound impact [co-founder] Peter Green and the early Fleetwood Mac had on the world of music,” states Fleetwood. “Peter was my greatest mentor, and it gives me such joy to pay tribute to his incredible talent. I am honoured to be sharing the stage with some of the many artists Peter has inspired over the years." Source: The Music Universe

– Rob Bowman, Grammy-winning musicologist, author and associate professor of music at Toronto’s York University, has been honoured by The Blues Foundation with one of this year’s Keeping the Blues Alive Awards. Bowman and eight other honorees will accept the award in Memphis during a recognition lunch, Jan. 31.

– East Coast rock hero Joel Plaskett has announced an extensive cross-Canada tour set for next April and May, in support of some new music. A new album is planned for release in April. Concert tix on sale Nov. 15 here. 

– On Dec. 27 and 28, Toronto world music fave Lemon Bucket Orkestra plays hometown shows at The Opera House (celebrating its 30th anniversary) in a holiday festival called LEMON-AID, also featuring LBO's favourite Toronto party bands. The event will raise funds for international non-profit organizations with each donating half their fees to a charity of their choice.

– Yesterday (Nov. 12), Hamilton blues/jazz legend Jackie Washington would have turned 100 years old. An inductee into the Canadian Jazz & Blues Hall of Fame, he is still remembered by fellow musicians and fans. On Nov. 17, Hugh's Room Live in Toronto hosts an afternoon tribute concert in his honour, featuring Sneezy Waters, Chris Whiteley, John Sheard, Victor Bateman, and host Ken Whiteley. This event also celebrates the release of The World Of Jackie Washington, a new CD of 22 unreleased performances with contributions from Colin Linden, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Mose Scarlett, Graham Townsend, Reg Schwager, and producer Ken Whiteley, plus a documentary DVD, I Want To Be Happy. On. Nov. 14, at noon, another tribute will be held, at the Hamilton Public Library.

– Sakamoto Agency has signed First Nations drum and vocal group Young Spirit to its international roster. The group has spent years touring the Pow-Wow and Round Dance circuit throughout North America and is best known for a nomination at the 61st Grammy Awards in the Best Regional Roots category, and the viral media sensation created by performing on the red carpet leading up to the awards.

– The nominees for this year's Saskatchewan Music Awards will be announced by SaskMusic at a press event this morning (Nov. 13) at The Artesian, 2627 13th Avenue, Regina. The awards will be held on Nov. 28 in Saskatoon, kicking off the Very Prairie Music Summit, which runs Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.