Buffy Sainte-Marie Wins 2015 Polaris Music Prize
The 2015 Polaris Music Prize was handed out Monday night at The Carlu in Toronto, ON to influential Native Canadian singer/songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie for her album Power In The Blood. Sainte-Marie, 74, was in attendance to accept the award and perform the songs “Power In The Blood” and “Carry It On” earlier in the evening.
Congratulations to Buffy Sainte-Marie, winner of the 2015 @PolarisPrize for 'Power In The Blood'! #Polaris2015 pic.twitter.com/lhgIzdKlmh
— Music Canada (@Music_Canada) September 22, 2015
Determined by a Grand Jury of 11 music media professionals, the Polaris Prize is awarded to the best Canadian album of the year based on “artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation.” Hosted by beloved Canadian family entertainer Fred Penner, the gala also featured performances by short-list nominees Alvvays, Braids, Jennifer Castle and Viet Cong.
While last year’s winner Tanya Tagaq was not in attendance to present the award, the singer praised Sainte-Marie and Polaris’ decision via her Twitter account.
So amazing. So beautiful. So great! Wonderful choice @PolarisPrize @BuffySteMarie
— tanya tagaq (@tagaq) September 22, 2015
The 2015 Polaris Music Prize Short List was:
Alvvays – Alvvays
BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah – Sour Soul
Braids – Deep In The Iris
Caribou – Our Love
Jennifer Castle – Pink City
Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Tobias Jesso Jr. – Goon
The New Pornographers – Brill Bruisers
Buffy Sainte-Marie – Power In The Blood
Viet Cong – Viet Cong
Music Canada