2020 Virtual Presentation
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the presentation of the2020 Tara Lynne Memorial Award was delayed. The presented was made in May of 2021 to Julie Johnstone via a virtual meeting. Special Thanks to all who were involved in contributing to the presentation, and aiding in getting this award into Julie's home. Congratulations to an incredibly deserving recipient. You certainly exemplify the qualities that were so loved and cherished in Tara Lynne.
2020 Tara Lynne Touesnard Recipient - Julie Johnstone
The Maritime Fiddlers Association is very pleased to announce the recipient of the Tara Lynne Touesnard Memorial Award for 2020. Julie Johnstone is a dear friend to many, an accomplished musician and educator, and a role model, spreading kindness, volunteering and sharing her talents in her community and beyond.
The Old Time Fiddle community in Atlantic Canada is incredibly lucky to have Julie advocating for preservation, and sharing heritage and history through her music.
Her passion for preservation has led her and her husband, James, to the position of co-chairs of the Maritime Fiddlers Association's Workshop Committee. Together they organize the biggest fiddle workshop in Central Nova Scotia, bringing together musicians from all over the Maritimes and beyond to receive instruction in fiddle, piano and guitar from some of the top teachers in Atlantic Canada.
I am honored to make this announcement in conjunction with the release of the MFA's new video, commemorating some highlights of Tara Lynne's musical journey. Julie was one of the lucky ones, who got to experience Tara's kindness and talent first hand. Our lives will be forever touched by Tara's talent and compassion, and we are so pleased to be able to present this award to someone we know encompasses the wonderful qualities that Tara exhibited. Julie, congratulations from all of us at the Maritime Fiddlers Association. You inspire us.
