Acclaimed musician, Charlie A’Court, is paying it forward by establishing a bursary supporting Nova Scotian high school graduates who are continuing their music education in university or college. The Charlie A’Court Scholarship for Excellence in Music (CASEM) will award $500 (CDN) to a graduating student who has been accepted into a post-secondary institution, specifically to continue his/her music education.

“Throughout my career I’ve always looked at ways I could channel the opportunities I’ve received into serving my community and creating win-win experiences,” A’Court explains. “This scholarship has been an aspiration of mine for years and it’s a means of expressing my gratitude for those opportunities by investing in tomorrow’s musical talent.”

The scholarship is designed to aid a student accepted into Nova Scotia-based institutions offering music courses such as the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University or the Music Business Program at NSCC Waterfront Campus for instance. Students accepted to institutions outside Nova Scotia like Humber College (ON) or Berklee College of Music (US) would also be encouraged to apply.

A’Court, a 5-time East Coast Music Award winner and 8-time Music Nova Scotia Award winner, says the scholarship will be rolled out in two phases. 2017 marks the 20th anniversary since A’Court graduated from Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC) and its music program in Truro. For its inaugural year, A’Court plans to award the scholarship to a CEC student this June, before expanding province-wide for the 2017-2018 school year. “Looking back 20 years, this is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to CEC and the band program for giving me my start. Truro has such rich history in the arts, and has contributed to the world stage in a major way, especially in music. That said, it will be exciting to expand and offer the scholarship to students across Nova Scotia,” says A’Court. Bill Kaulbach, principal at CEC, celebrates the news. “I’m thrilled Charlie is selecting a 2017 CEC graduate as the inaugural recipient of this scholarship.”

Applications open on April 1 and close on May 12 and will be processed internally by the Student Services Office at CEC. A’Court will be on hand to present the cheque during CEC’s graduation ceremony scheduled for June 29.

As one of Canada’s finest blues, roots & soul artists, Charlie A’Court has come up trumps with his fifth solo album, Come On Over and it features some very special guests.
Last seen touring here in 2014, Charlie managed to hit Sydney’s Blackfoot Sound Studios in between shows to record the new album, Come On Over, with his good friend Mark ‘Diesel’ Lizotte. Not only was Diesel at the production helm throughout the recording, together they co-wrote the anthemic title track & lead single Come On Over. Another highlight on the record is the stunning soulful duet I’m Sorry featuring Mahalia Barnes on vocals (co-written by Charlie & Kim Wempe).
Already receiving a great reaction in Canada, the lead single (Come On Over) picked up a solid amount of airplay…resulting in the track hitting number one on the Canadian National East Coast Countdown charts. While the recent Canadian East Coast Music Awards saw A’Court add another album award to his collection, thanks to Come On Over picking up the Blues Recording of the Year.
Come On Over will be released in Australia on October 30 through Fanfare Records (distributed by Universal Music Australia) – the label that brought you two of the biggest selling Australian Blues albums ever – Russell Morris’ Sharkmouth & Van Diemen’s Land. Fanfare label director Robert Rigby says, “Come On Over is a brilliant album and Charlie A’Court is a true international find. The involvement of Diesel & Mahalia Barnes on this record is an added treat which should connect this talented Canadian artist with Australian music lovers.”
To coincide with the album release, Charlie A’Court will return to Australia to perform throughout October & November with U.S. Boogie Blues legends Canned Heat, Diesel and Steve Clisby…as well as performances at Australian Music Week, The Wingham Akoostic & Sydney Blues & Roots Festivals.

Here is the list of tour dates:
Friday October 16 – Castle Hill RSL, NSW w/ Diesel
Saturday October 17 – Lewisham Hotel, Sydney w/ Wards Xpress
Sunday October 18 – Wingham Akoostic Festival, NSW
Thursday October 22 – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD w/ Canned Heat
Saturday October 24 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW w/ Steve Clisby
Sunday October 25 – Sydney Blues & Roots Festival (6pm) w/ Foreday Riders & Canned Heat
Sunday October 25 – The Basement, Sydney NSW w/ Canned Heat (night)
Monday October 26 – Canberra Theatre Playroom, ACT w/ Canned Heat
Tuesday October 27 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW w/ Canned Heat
Wednesday October 28 – The Factory, Marrickville NSW w/ Canned Heat
Thursday October 29 – Corner Hotel, Richmond VIC w/ Canned Heat
Sunday November 1- Govenor Hindmarsh, Adelaide SA w/ Canned Heat
Tuesday November 3 – The Basement, Sydney NSW w/ Canned Heat
Friday November 6 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW w/ Diesel
Saturday November 7 – Blues On The Water Cruise, Rocks Rhythm Boat, Sydney NSW w/ The Arc Riders – www.bluescruise.com.au (Matinee)
Saturday November 7 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW w/ Diesel (night)
Sunday November 8 – Coast Hotel, Budgewoi NSW
Friday November 13 – Blues Explosion @ The Eastern Lounge, Roseville NSW
November 18-21 Australian Music Week, Cronulla NSW
Saturday November 21 – The Waterhouse, Jervis Bay NSW