Arts community set to walk the red carpet

Saint John's version of the Academy Awards will hit the Imperial Theatre tonight as part of a red carpet gala to celebrate the finest we have to offer in 'original' talent.

The Originals/Les Originaux Arts Awards, part of the 2010 Saint John 225 festivities, will celebrate the local arts and culture scene at an inaugural Arts and Culture Red Carpet Gala at the Imperial Theatre tonight at 7:00 p.m.

The evening will consist of unique performances featuring collaborations involving visual art, dance, poetry, rock, classical music and theatre. Hospital Grade, Port City Dance Academy, Jessica Rhaye, the Saint John String Quartet, and Tradition are just some of the performers slated to appear at the event, along with some surprise guests too.

"People are always surprised at the diversity of our arts community," explains David Adams, chair of the Saint John Arts Board. "Not only do we have a local symphony, opera and theatre company that are all flourishing, but we have an amazing range of artists that will be recognized tonight."

Nominees for the awards fall into 11 separate categories including the Emerging Artist Award for an individual artist, in any genre, who has been pursuing his/her practice for fewer than five years and is no longer a student in his/her field and the Performing Arts Award for Theatre for an individual or group who has made a significant contribution in theatre.

Popular music award nominee Jessica Rhaye says she is honoured just to be nominated and plans on enjoying the night with her fellow artists.

"It means a lot to me to be recognized for my efforts over the last few years," says Rhaye. "Anywhere I go in the world to perform, I always tell everyone where I am from and I am proud to be from Saint John, New Brunswick, and it's really nice to be acknowledged in return."

Saint John's very own Brent Bambury of CBC's National Radio 'Go!' will share the stage with Christiane Vaillancourt as the 'Masters' of Ceremonies.

Written by freelance writer Heather Campbell for saintjohn225.com

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