Ben Klick Wins at 2023 BCCMA Awards
Ben Klick, known as “The Guitar Pickin’ Country Gentleman” who fuses modern country sounds with a traditional twist, won his fifth and sixth British Columbia Country Music Awards; 2023 BCCMA Gaylord Wood Traditional Artist of the Year, and the 2023 BCCMA President’s Citation Award.
The Gaylord Wood Traditional Artist Award is presented to the Act (Solo, Duo, or Group) in the country music industry whose music is based on traditional country style, but through innovations and originality is different from what is considered ‘Mainstream Country,’ such as Classic Country, Bluegrass, Western Swing, Old-Time, and Honky-Tonk. This award is intended to preserve the integrity of Traditional Country Music and the instruments that contribute to its authentic sound.
The President’s Citation Award is presented to an individual, group, or organization with the sole decision made by the acting President of the BCCMA. This award is based around (but not limited to) community involvement, artistry, and overall support and professionalism within country music. Klick’s efforts in raising over $170,000 for MS Canada through charitable efforts with his fundraiser, Music Fest MS, along with writing, recording, playing shows, and releasing music as an artist and hired-guitar player, and being a “snazzy dresser” and overall country music supporter were just a few of the reasons Cassandra Smith (BCCMA President) honoured Ben with the recognition.
“It was a shock to have won two awards at this year’s BC Country Music Awards. Being recognized by the community for what I do and who I am as an artist personally and professionally is something I don’t take lightly. I’m very thankful, honored, and blessed to be able to wake up each day to write, record, play, and support country music. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without the support from family, friends, and fans along the way.”
Coming off the backs of 2 awards, Klick made a trip to “Studio Downe Under” in Abbotsford, BC (Awarded the 2023 Recording Studio of the Year) to record a brand new Christmas song, “Santa Rides a Harley”. Released on December 1st, the song’s light-hearted, fun, familiar Christmas nature is gaining quick traction on streaming platforms and on local country radio. The official music video was filmed locally in Kelowna with the help from Kelowna Powersports and Kelowna Harley-Davidson and is set to release this Friday, December 8th.
“I’ve always loved motorbikes.” states Klick. “My dad and I used to go to the Vancouver Motorcycle show every year when I was growing up. I guess I got a bit of a ‘bug’ and got my motorcycle license a few years ago to be able to ride. Writing the song, ‘Santa Rides a Harley’, was a fun experience with my friend Rhett McDaniel and my girlfriend, Cassidy Bastien, when we were living in Nashville at the beginning of the year. And I’m thrilled to have this be the Christmas single release for the year!”
In the coming months, Klick is playing a few shows where he’ll be showcasing brand new music, including his latest singles and unreleased songs, before heading back down to Nashville at the end of January. These include the Vibrant Vine on December 8th, Red Bird Brewing on December 19th and 30th, and a special show coming to the Kelowna Community Theatre on January 23rd.
You can stream the new music on all digital download and streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. You can also follow Ben Klick on his Facebook and Instagram, and get more news, tour listings, and updates on his official website, www.benklick.com.
