The Manitoba Country Music Association (MCMA) Male Artist of the Year was awarded to local singer/songwriter Quinton Blair last weekend.

Blair says he has been nominated for the award the past three years but never expected to win this year.

Blair performed 'Bluesman' with a special guest appearance by Del Barber. (Photo credit: Quinton Blair)"Usually I win the Roots Artist of the Year award and I didn't win this year, which was fine because I didn't think I had a year that would win that kind of an award," notes Blair. "I was standing backstage with my good friend Kayla Luky who had just won Female Artist of the Year. I just happened to perk up and heard my name being called and had to run out and go and accept that award. So, I just didn't think I had a realistic shot this year."

He says the awards are voted on by peers in the industry including other artists, writers, media, agents, and labels.

"That's a category where I would be nominated against the likes of Jason Kirkness and Ryan Keown and Don Amero. Those fellows all have strong track records, David James. They've got radio hits, they tour hard and have management and all these kinds of teams behind them," adds Blair. "Not to say we weren't out touring and working hard ourselves, but I guess I just always assume someone else has worked equally hard and deserves it as well."

Blair says he's been touring and pushing past the Manitoba borders for the last five years and going forward he hopes to continue writing, touring, and growing as a performer.

Blair is also a two-time Roots Artist of the Year award winner. He notes his fiddle player, Brenton Thorvaldson, won Auxiliary Player of the Year.