The members of Halifax band Wintersleep won the SOCAN-sponsored songwriter(s) of the year award – as well as album and group recording of the year (for Welcome to the Night Sky) – at the 2008 Music Nova Scotia Awards gala, held Nov. 9 at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium in New Glasgow, N.S. Sonic Records personnel accepted the awards on their behalf, as the band members – Paul Murphy, Tim D'Eon, Loel Campbell and Jud Haynes – are currently on a U.S. tour.

Cape Breton’s Tom Fun Orchestra won the Galaxie rising stars new artist/group recording of the year, as well as the entertainer of the year award, chosen by a public vote. Old Man Luedecke collected two of the five awards for which he was nominated: male artist recording and folk artist album of the year. Other double winners included Christina Martin for female artist recording and pop/rock recording of the year, and Thom Swift for blues artist recording and musician of the year. Sharing the musician honours in a tie with Swift was Ian Sherwood.

George Canyon hosted and performed at the gala ceremonies, which capped three days of performances and workshops presented by Music Nova Scotia. For more information, and a complete list of winners, visit the Music Nova Scotia website.