A local fundraising effort aims to send a local independent artist to the Emmy Awards ceremony where he is a nominee.
The Kootenay’s Adham Shaikh and Robert Neufeld were nominated in the category of Outstanding Music and Sound for their work on the National Geographic project Untamed Americas.
But fundraiser organizer Debra Bakowsky said despite his accomplishments, Shaikh will not be able to attend the Emmys held in New York City on October 1.
“The life of a working artist pays more in fulfillment and satisfaction than it does in dollars,” she said. “As an independent artist, without a major label or corporate support — plus a family — Adham will not be able to attend the Emmys without our support.”
Shaikh is a Juno Award-nominated music producer, composer, sound designer and DJ who has scored original soundtracks for numerous film and television productions including Sacred Planet (Disney Imax), Velcrow Ripper’s Fierce Light (National Film Board, Fierce Light Productions) and Rainbow Jaguars’ Earth Pilgrim to name a few.
Adham’s music has also been licensed extensively to media productions including Suzuki Speaks (Avanti Pictures), Let It Ride (Locomotion Films), Burton Snowboards and coming soon work on the upcoming television series Deconstructing Dinner (ITV) and Working People (Knowledge).
Bakowsky first came to know of Shaikh from seeing one of his shows.
A mutual friend helped organize a fundraiser to get the artist to the Juno Awards in 2006 when Shaikh was nominated for World Music Album of the Year.
“Adham is still so grateful for this community pulling together to get him to the Juno Awards,” she said. “When he shares his story, people are always impressed and amazed by the support and big heart of Nelson.”
The Slocan Valley woman sees Shaikh’s presence at the major award ceremony as helpful to both the artist and the community he’s representing.
“This is a fantastic meeting place to create further work opportunities and a great way to represent the community of Nelson internationally at a prestigious award ceremony,” she said. “This not only helps to promote Nelson as a hotspot of talent and inspiration, but also as a destination for both cultural and ecotourism.”
The cost of the trip includes a hefty event ticket price of $500 and flights from Spokane along with hotels in the city. National Geographic is contributing $500 but still, $1,300 needs to be raised.
“Let us support Adham in his recognition and help him to be our ambassador in New York, New York,” said Bakowsky.
Shaikh would like to arrive in New York City during the last week of September.