Big winner Meaghan Blanchard takes SOCAN Songwriter honours at Music PEI Awards

Prince Edward Island singer-songwriter Meaghan Blanchard swept the four categories in which she was nominated – including the SOCAN-sponsored songwriter of the year – at the 2009 Music PEI Awards, held Jan. 17 at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. SOCAN's Tim Hardy and SOCAN member Chas Guay presented the songwriting award to Blanchard, who also won for Female Vocalist, Folk Recording and New Artist Recording of the Year.

Other multiple winners include John Connolly, who walked away with three awards for his self-titled release; The Grass Mountain Hobos, relative newcomers to the Island music scene, who capped off a busy year by taking home three awards as well; and Vishten, which took home two trophies, including Group of the Year.

During PEI Music Week, held in the three days leading up to the awards gala, Tim Hardy presented a "SOCAN 101" information session on Jan. 17 at The Guild in downtown Charlottetown, to a full room of enthusiastic delegates.