Donny Parenteau was recognized at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards this past weekend. (Facebook/Donny Parenteau)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

2020 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards

Local musician honoured

May 19, 2020 | 2:55 PM

A Prince Albert musician has been recognized for his contributions.

Donny Parenteau received the Legend and Legacy Award for his contributions to country music at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards (SCMA) on Saturday.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the awards show was completely virtual. It was streamed live on YouTube and televised on Access 7. Parenteau said this made for a different kind of experience when compared with past shows.

“It actually gave me time to prepare a speech that I was very happy with once I was done, and to actually replay a bunch of times,” he said.

Parenteau explained doing the show online enhanced it as people from all over could watch it. He said he received congratulations from across Canada and the United States.

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

3h ago

Spring in Saskatchewan

Calm, dry weather expected across much of Saskatchewan over Easter weekend

3h ago

Tribute projects

Progress on Humboldt Broncos memorial continues eight years after tragic crash

3h ago

“It actually broadened the horizon of the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards,” he said.

The Legend and Legacy Award is presented to any solo artist, group or organization which have made a significant contribution to country music in Saskatchewan.

Parenteau’s music career has stretched over 30 years, getting his start at 19 years old. During his career he has been nominated for awards over 100 different times. Many of those nominations have been at the SCMA Awards, including his first in 1992.

In being given the Legend and Legacy Award, Parenteau is joining former CKBI radio personality Don Mitchell and Freddy Pelletier, both of whom helped in his career.

The award is also a special one as Parenteau was present in 1990 when it was handed out for the first time to King Ganam.

“Thirty years later now I am being presented with the same award,” he said.

The P.A. based musician said receiving the recognition felt incredible. He said he is thankful for all the people who have helped him succeed in his career. He said that thank you extends to everyone who provided events and venues for him to perform in.

“From the very beginning my uncle George Sinclair, for trusting me to play in the band, the local shows that I started my career with here, Country North show was a huge part of my life in the very beginning,” he said.

Due to the pandemic, Parenteau is not able to perform at live venues. Like the SCMA, Parenteau has taken his talent online and is offering music lessons. He is encouraging anybody who is interested to get in touch with him.

“Feel free to reach out to me,” he said.

Trudel takes home hardware

P.A.’s Janaya Trudel won Fiddle Player of the Year, she has performed with her family for most of her life, The Trudel Family. She is also part of a duo with her sister called Jay & Jo, the pair released a new single Saturday called Youth.

Hunter takes home four awards

J.J. Hunter of Shaunavon, as one of the Hunter Brothers, won 4 awards, including Group of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year and Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year.

Hunter played for the P.A. Raiders in 2000-01, where he played 58 games, scoring 28 goals and 17 assists.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn