Top performers attend Toronto awards bash

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Artists from British Columbia in the Aboriginal music industry nabbed the top prizes at this year's Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards held in Toronto on Nov. 24. The winner in this year?s best female artist category is Fara for her CD, Pretty Brown. George Leach was named as best male artist for his work on Just Where I'm At, which also won best rock album.

Also from British Columbia in the winners' circle was Sandy Scofield. He won in the best song category for "Beat The Drum" from the Riel's Road CD, which also won in the best new age/alternative album category. Best instrumental album was by Locos Bravos for Locas Bravos, Mandala. The special award for keeper of traditions went to Flora Wallace.

The awards presentation was part of an impressive evening of entertainment at the Skydome, including a strong performance of "Pretty Brown" by Fara who co-hosted the awards show with Derek Miller, who is gaining a strong reputation as Canada's king of cool.

The pure power of the performances, everything from traditional drum to modern rap, impressed audience members. Just when you thought the last performance just couldn't be beat, as were this writer's thoughts about Wayne Lavallee, on came another quality act.

If any one artist established himself as a show stand-out, it was George Leach with his gritty electric blues. The evening closed with a high-energy performance by rap group Red Power Squad.