The slogan of the ninth annual Vancouver Island Music Awards (VIMAs) is “look at the stars in our own backyard,” and this Sunday, stars from our backyard will be in the spotlight.
Kendall Patrick, who was born and raised in Ladysmith but now lives in Nanaimo, has been nominated as Island Songwriter of the Year. Patrick is up against Steph MacPherson, Annie Becker, Chris Ho, David Sinclair and David Essig in this category.
“As an artist whose future is safeguarded only in blind faith that is constantly conjured up from within, external validation of any kind, especially a nomination from the VIMAs, is unspeakably encouraging,” says Patrick. “It feels like the universe is giving me a big hug saying, ‘You’re doing good, girl. I see you. Keep moving.’”
Ladysmith-based Celtic rock band Skellig has been nominated for a VIMA as Island Live Act of the Year. The band — Chris Burness, Lisa Burness, Caleb Burness, Mike O’Shaughnessy, Will O’Shaughnessy, Shelley Brown and Dylan Wickham — is nominated in a category with Brodie Dawson, Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra, Kytami, and Coco Jafro.
The VIMAs gala will take place Sunday, April 28 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Victoria. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call 778-265-VIMA or e-mail vima@shaw.ca.