Photo by Drew Borgwardt
Country trio Hey Romeo were one of the big winners Monday night at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards.
This year the Alberta band, featuring Drumheller’s Rob Shapiro took home the Duo or Group of the Year, one of the biggest awards of the night. They were nominated along with the likes of Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, The Heartbroken and High Valley.
“It was an amazing night for a little band from Alberta. We were completely shocked and I think seeing the photos from the reaction when our name was announced will be really funny,” Shapiro told The Mail.
This was the third time they were nominated for the award. In 2008, the group won the Top New Group Award.
It was a double honour for Shapiro who won an Allstar Band Award as Keyboard Player of the Year, his third time winning this award.
He was grateful to his band mates, the team that has grown around them on their rise, their label Royalty Records and the CCMA membership. He is also grateful for local support.
“Thanks to my family for all their support especially my Mom Iris and my late Dad Lorne Shapiro. My first piano teacher from Drum, Mrs. Hilborn would have been happy I think although she would have corrected my piano technique!” said Shapiro.
This year’s awards were held at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario. The band performed at the Industry Awards on Saturday, September 10.
Drumheller was well represented at the awards. Jaydee Bixby was nominated for the Rising Star Award. This was the second year he received a nomination.
“It’s a real honour to be nominated two years in a row,” commented Bixby, “I appreciate the recognition by my peers and the association.”
