Countdown to Canadian Folk Music Awards – Interview with Shannon Quinn

The Canadian Folk Music Awards take place in Vancouver, BC, from March 31 to April 2, with two awards shows and three showcases.

On March 31 at 6:00 pm PDT, Tradworks Traditional Music Concert will take place at Mel Lehan Hall at St James Community Square. Get tickets here.

Featuring CFMA Nominees: Ken Whiteley, Jaffa Road,  Jocelyn Pettit,  Shannon Quinn & Tony Quinn,  Li’l Andy, and  John Reischman.

We caught up with Halifax’s Shannon Quinn to chat about what an honour it is to receive two nominations at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and her performance at the Tradworks Traditional Music Concerts on March 31.

Shannon is nominated for Instrumental Group of the Year &Traditional Album of the Year for 20 Summers.

Listen to 20 Summers below and learn more about Shannon Quinn via our mini-interview.

First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Shannon Quinn, and I’m an instrumentalist from beautiful Halifax, NS! Primarily an Irish-style fiddle player.

Tell us a bit about your newest release.

20 summers is a duo album I recorded last year with my father Tony, celebrating the 20-plus years we’ve been playing music together. We spent a lot of time short-listing the tunes that made it on, and recorded the entire album live, so each track is one full take.

You are a double nominee at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, how does it feel to be nominated, not once, but twice?

It’s a real thrill to be nominated for the CFMA’s in two fantastic categories among so many great musicians. Being nominated for 20 summers is extra special to me because it was an album with my dad. I know it means a lot to him, and he couldn’t be more thrilled that we’re headed to Vancouver to take part in the festivities all weekend!

You will be performing at the Tradworks – Traditional Music Showcase Concert on March 31. What can attendees expect from your live performance?

We’re going to be performing three different tracks from the album on Friday – all traditional Irish tunes. A set of jigs, a set of hornpipes and an Irish waltz! I am usually pretty wordy on stage with stories so I will be trying my best to be concise and get in as much music as we can, ha!

Do you have any other upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?

My father and I perform locally in Halifax quite often, but I’m excited to be headed to the states this summer to teach and perform with the Common Ground on the Hill festival in Maryland in July! I will keep other local & maritime dates updated on my website, shannonquinnmusic.com

Connect with Shannon Quinn:
Website
Twitter
Instagram

Jenna Melanson

I’m Jenna, the founder and editor of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started many years ago. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be.

Canadian Beats has grown to become more than media, and what a journey it’s been.