Monday, June 9, 1997

Jann Arden, Tommy Banks and Captain Tractor were the big music makers in Alberta during the last two years, according to the Alberta Recording Industries Association.

After the 10th and 11th annual ARIA Awards wrapped up last night in the Chateau Lacombe Crowne Plaza (covering two years since the awards didn't take place last year), Arden ended up with seven trophies, the most of any nominee.

The Calgary star swept Best Pop/Light Rock Artist and National/International Artist categories for both years and was given the special Award of Excellence for 1995-96.

Arden is in Los Angeles working on her next album and was not present to accept her awards last night.

ARIA president R. Harlan Smith accepted on her behalf.

"What a gem she is for the province of Alberta," he said.

Jazzman Tommy Banks and Celtic rockers Captain Tractor, both of Edmonton, each won four ARIA awards.

Banks was honored in both the Best Jazz Artist and Best Specialty Artist categories, while Captain Tractor won the Group Recording Artist of the Year two years in a row.

Captain Tractor also took away a Best Alternative/New Music award.

"It's really an honor," said singer Chris Wynters.

Aboriginal performer Laura Vinson and country singer Sharon Anderson each won three awards.

Other multiple ARIA winners, with two awards each, included Bobby Cameron, Cindy Church, Mike Lent (Jann Arden's bassist) and Neil MacGonnigal (Arden's manager).