August 28, 2010. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Site of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in 2008. Now hosting the 10th Annual Unity Awards Show presented by The United Catholic Music & Video Association.
The presenter’s voice reflects the excitement that hangs over the hall: “The nominees for “2010 Praise & Worship Album of the Year”… The names are read, and the audience waits in quiet anticipation as the envelope is opened: “And the recipient is … ‘Beyond the Veil’ by Brian Flynn!”
Such fun at the Awards show! When we arrived and looked at the schedule for the gala evening of awards and performances, we found that Donna and I were to be the presenters for the first award. Instant stress! I’ve always hated being first (icebreaking just isn’t my strong suit) — plus Brian was one of the finalists for that award, so that really didn’t help the state of our nerves. But after Donna had announced the nominees and I opened the envelope, I sure enjoyed announcing the results:
“And the recipient for the ‘2010 Liturgical/Sacramental Song of the Year’ is … Brian Flynn for ‘Panis Vere.'”
And it got better. Brian’s CD “Beyond the Veil” not only went on to receive the cherished award for “2010 Praise and Worship Album of the Year,” but received a 3rd award as well: “2010 Devotional Song of the Year” for his song “You are a Priest Forever.”
Towards the end of the program, Brian returned to the stage, this time to perform. He began by playing a haunting introduction on tin whistle, and then, as the Celtic echoes lingered in the air, he put the whistle down and accompanied himself on the keyboard as he sang the now award-winning song, “You are a Priest Forever.”
And there was some “icing on the cake,” too, as our 2-CD set, the “Mother of Mercy Scriptural Rosary, received the award for “2010 Spoken Word Recording of the Year.” Alleluia!
But beyond the presentations, awards, and performances, there was something far more significant, emphasizing the reason these are called “Unity Awards.” We were part of an international gathering of Catholic recording artists, producers, and designers representing every music and video genre from classical to rap. There was such a feeling of camaraderie and of shared purpose. We weren’t there just to compete for honors and awards, but to meet and affirm and encourage each other, rejoicing together in the reality that no matter how diverse we were, no matter how different our styles of music, we were all dedicated Catholic artists responding to a single call: to use our talents and gifts to give glory to God and help lead others closer to Him. This became most obvious at the end of the evening when, after a full day of rehearsals, a long evening program, and a gala celebration, we gathered in the quiet hush of a local church at 11:30 at night to celebrate Mass together and say, “Thank you, Lord. It’s all about You!”
You can check out the two award-winning CDs here!
