1992

HOWIE LARKE

Howie Larke became involved with the BC Country Music Association in the early 80’s and was instrumental in getting Labatts involved in organizing and sponsoring the Bud Country Music Talent Search. With the assistance of Claude Le Leivre and Dianna Kelly – the Talent Search became “the stepping stone” – for bringing together BC artists – country music musicians, country music cabarets, and country music radio stations throughout the province. The Talent Search became the focus of the BCCMA – and the resulting publicity and promotion throughout each year brought membership to an all-time high.  Due to the success of the Talent Search in BC – the program was pitched to Labatts and the Canadian Country Music Association – which resulted in the Talent Search going National in scope – under the sponsorship of Budweiser. Those provinces involved held annual Talent Search programs across the country – and their finalist contestants competed at the annual CCMA awards program.  Following retirement in 1992 – I coordinated the Talent Search for the BCCMA for 2 years. After the Talent Search program was terminated – I provided assistance to the BCCMA in their annual awards show and produced their annual awards show program. Through promotional contacts with Yamaha and the Merritt Mountain Music Festival – instituted the guitar raffle program for the BCCMA – which provided both financial and publicity exposure for the Association.  I currently have the honor of possessing a life-time membership in the BC Country Music Association.