Prince Albert's Katelyn Lehner is the SCMA's Best Emerging Artist. (Submitted photo/Katelyn Lehner/LeClair Media)

By Nigel Maxwell

Talented people

Prince Albert shines at SCMA awards

Apr 19, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Two days after winning the Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) award for Best Emerging Artist, Prince Albert’s Katelyn Lehner is still in shock.

The former St. Mary grad was among a number of artists from the Prince Albert area recognized on Saturday night. When Lehner spoke with paNOW back in February about the excitement of being nominated, just four months after the release of her debut single, she mentioned how surprised she was.

“It’s the cherry on top of things and it’s really exciting. I’m so honoured to be recognized by the SCMA,” she said.

Due to COVID-19, the awards ceremony was held virtually and so Lehner, like the other recipients, could not be there physically. While admitting it would have been nice to have accepted the award on stage, Lehner remains grateful for the support from the SCMA and the other artists who have been in the industry much longer than her.

“And for them to give me a little pat on the back and say ‘hey, you’re doing a good and keep up with it’, is so great to know and gives me some extra motivation moving forward,” she said.

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Lehner looks forward to receiving her award. (Submitted/ SCMA)

Dean Kushneryk, Drummer of the Year, has been playing for over four decades and currently plays with the band Misdeal.

“I was absolutely floored,” he said, adding he did not think he had a chance amongst so many talented other drummers. Having previously won the award in 2011, Kushneryk said he looks forward to the day when he can go back to playing live shows.

“I am so proud to be from this area, with all the talent and even talent that’s not even in the [SCMA]. For me to be a part ot that, I love it,” he said.

Picking up the award for Guitar Player of the Year, was Prince Albert’s Shawn Blackman. On his Instagram page, Blackman thanked his family and fellow musicians.

“Thank you to all of the artists I’ve been fortunate enough over the years to perform with, thank you for trusting me with your artistic vision..from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much… stay well, stay safe, stay kind, stay inclusive…and I look forward to seeing you all soon,” he said.

Big night for Pattison media

In addition to the individual award winners, the Pattison Media group was recognized in a number of categories.

Melfort’s CJVR (105.1FM) won Radio Station of the Year—Secondary Market. The award for best On Air Personality went to Matt Ryan, and Cal Gratton (Melfort) won Music Director of the Year.

The big winners

Taking home the most hardware Saturday night were the Hunter Brothers and Tenille Arts. The Hunter Brothers took home over half a dozen awards, including Group of the Year, Interactive Artist or Group of the Year, and Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year.

Tenille Arts won Female Artist of the Year, Album of the year, Single of the Year (Somebody Like That), as well as Songwriter of the Year.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell