Latest News from Ali

2007 Ontario Independent Music Awards Nominations

I've been nominated for "Best Female Artist" at the Ontario Independent Music Awards! Check out the OIMA website for all the details.

2007 Gospel Music Association Covenant Awards – 4 Nominations

Folk/Roots Song of the Year – Which Way is Home (The Prayer of the Prodigal)

Jazz/Blues Song of the Year – Window of Light

Song of the Year – Window of Light

Female Vocalist of the Year

I am honoured to have four nominations at this years’ GMA Music Awards.  Once again, the Covenant Awards will be handed out in Calgary at the end of October.  Rick and I will be heading out west for the festivities and to play a few shows.  We still have some openings on our calendar so let me know if you are interested in booking us in the Calgary area.  We are really looking forward to seeing our GMA friends and our great Alberta fans!

2007 John Lennon Songwriting Contest

The winners were just announced and my song, “Santorini” received honourable mention in the “Folk” category.  Last year, “Window of Light’ received honourable mention in the Gospel/Inspirational category.  Even a small success in these huge, international contests is always a great confidence booster for me.  It helps me push a little harder and not give up so easily on the wacky art of songwriting.

“Emmanuel” – Choral Arrangement

I have had dozens of requests from all over North America for sheet music for my Christmas song, “Emmanuel”.  This is finally available for purchase!  What could be better than that?  Let me tell you.  We now also have a beautiful choral arrangement of Emmanuel, (especially beautiful for a children’s choir).  Thanks to Joy Brown for her brilliant arranging skills!  Interested? – please contact me directly at ali@alimatthews.com

New single – “The Cry of Bethlehem”

I am so excited about my new Christmas single.  “The Cry of Bethlehem” will be available as a free download on November 2^nd… my gift to you. 

After all, I am “The Christmas Girl”.

Christmas Concerts

My 2007 Christmas band is outstanding!  I am so excited to share the stage with these seven incredible musicians for four public concerts (see Calendar for dates).

Rick Francis – guitar                            Joy Brown – piano

Junior Riggan – bass                           Don Reed – fiddle

Jay Rheil – drums/percussion              Michael Harris and Keturah Leonforde – vocals

Together we will present a warm and inspirational collection of roots-based Christmas music with a jazzy-Celtic-gospel flare. 

Tickets will be available later this month.

I will be partnering again this Christmas with FTC Canada (Feed the Children), a wonderful Canadian charitable organization doing an incredible job of reaching out to needy kids and families across Canada and beyond.  Visit www.ftccanada.org  

Bookings

I am still accepting bookings for the holiday season – concerts, church services, corporate and private parties and banquets. 

 Inquiries – please call 519-272-9658 or email ali@alimatthews.com.

For updated information, check my EPK (Electronic Press Kit) at www.sonicbids.com/alimatthews

Ali is proud to be the Artist Spokesperson for FTC Canada. Find out more about this wonderful humanitarian relief organization at www.ftccanada.org