2014’s new inductees to Canada’s Walk of Fame

Sep 16, 2014 | Arts, Life, News

By Marlon Gomez
Canada's Walk of Fame

Canada’s Walk of Fame (Marlon Gomez)

Canada’s Walk of Fame announced six inductees getting a star on Toronto’s sidewalk this year.

The honorees will be added to the walk that currently has 151 members. Louise Arbor, The Band, Jeff Healey, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Reynolds and Hayley Wickenheiser will celebrate their stars on Oct. 18 at the Sony Centre.

“Our goal is to celebrate outstanding Canadians who have excelled in their careers across a variety of professional disciplines and who have made an impact on Canada’s rich cultural identity,” said Melanie Hurley, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame (CWOF) at todays announcement of inductees.

Melanie Hurley, CEO of Canada's Walk of Fame (Marlon Gomez)

Melanie Hurley, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame (Marlon Gomez)

Ryan Reynolds is one of the many people who contributed to Canada’s cultural identity. “He’s an international super star and is from Vancouver. He is very proud to be Canadian,” said Hurley.

CWOF announced yesterday that R&B star The Weekend will be receiving this year’s Allan Slaight Award.  This award is dedicated to inspirational Canadians who are under the age of 30 and have achieved international success.

“He’s got a great trajectory going on and we just want to recognize and celebrate that,” said Hurley about The Weekend. Previous Allan Slaight Award winners include Carly Rae Jepsen, Drake, and Melanie Fiona.

Emerging artist Sarah Felker (also known as NEFE) attended the announcement and performed her song, The City. Felker won this year’s RBC Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Prize.

Hurley said CWOF received around 200 applications for the Mentorship Prize. NEFE’s talent and incredible voice is ultimately what made her stand out of the pack, said Hurley.

 

“I feel like it’s something fresh and it’s not what everybody is doing right now. It does have some elements that people want to listen and draw you in,” said Felker about her music.

Sarah Felker (A.K.A NEFE) performing The City.

 

The fifth annual CFWO festival kicks off this Thursday Sept. 18. The event will last three days and some of Canada’s best musicians including Matthew Good, Dean Brody, and Burton Cummings will be performing.

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