One of the names on the Polaris long list that must have caught everyone in attendance was that of Leonard Cohen.
The long list was announced at the Waldorf on June 14 with Polaris founder Steve Jordan emceeing. Isn’t the Polaris prize for newcomers who could use a boost in their career? Isn’t it geared more toward the independent sector and making known relative unknowns? But if Polaris was created to recognize consistently good work, then Leonard Cohen qualifies. It just seems weird to see his name among those who are starting out. Can Bruce Cockburn be far behind?
Polaris awards $30,000 to an act who has made a huge impact on the voting media and bloggers. Artistic achievement counts more than sales. The long list has 40 such acts that will be pared down to 10 for a second announcement next month in Toronto.
B.C. acts on the long list include Kathryn Calder for her album Bright And Vivid, Grimes, who is enjoying a breakthrough with her Visions, Japandroids, Dan Mangan and Yukon Blonde.
In a very different competition, Voice Of The Cellar will distribute $20,000 worth of prize money, starting with $5,000 to the top act of its Voice Of The Cellar. Each Wednesday from June 20, the club at 1006 Granville will be presenting three acts to a total of 18.
First up are Tea, City Of Glass and Jordan Carrier and The Soviets. Succeeding Wednesdays will see A-Slam, Kemal Evans, Niska Napoleon, George Murray, Velvet Chameleon, Krystie Dos Santos, Cobra Ramone, Amusing Cruel Young Hearts, Jordan Klassen, The Magician And The Gates Of Love, Sam Alviar, Steph MacPherson, Coldwater Road, Katie Rox.
