MusicNL takes over Bonavista

MusicNLhas taken its act on the road to Bonavista.

• Music NL tuning up for awards in Bonavista

The annual MusicNL Awards and Conference Week is taking placein the town from Oct. 13-16.

"[It's been] fabulous. Lots of participation. Lots of good music,"Glenda Tulk, interim executive director of MusicNL, told CBC Radio's Central Morning Show.

Every second yearMusicNLhosts its event outside of St. John's.Tulksaid havingthe eventin a smaller area has its advantages.

"The benefit of being in a smaller centre is that usually you're the only big show in the regionreally, not just the town," she said.

"And therefore all of your showcases and your gala or whatever is always better attended outside of St. John's because there's so much entertainment in [St. John's]that takes the audience."

Though places to stay have been limited,the people of Bonavista really like the festivities andhave been very accommodating, Tulk said.

"Some people even moved out of their houses and went to their cottages so we could rent their houses," she said.

"So everybody has a bed."

An important part of theconference is the learning aspect for artists.

"Usuallyevery year MusicNL collects a theme for the business end of the week,"Tulksaid.

"It enables us to educate the participants in [the] business aspects of their careers. But it also opens [them] up to different buyers [who] come in from festivals and events and things like that and different venues that book talent. They come and they can see the potential that's there for them to purchase."

Events and awards gala

The event which includes workshops, performances and an award showstarted Thursday and runs until Sunday.

Tulk said her favourite portion is always the Songwriters' Circle, which is dedicated to Ron Hynes this year.

"So all the participants will do one of Ron's songs that meant something to them and two of their own," she said.

Sunday's gospel show at the Anglican Christ Churchis not to be missed either, Tulk said.

The Awards Gala atGarrick Theatre begins Sunday night at 8 p.m.

Repartee leads the nominee list with six, whileDuane Andrews and Long Distance Runners are up for five awardseach.