The NSCMHF was established in 1997 by a group of dedicated individuals to honor performers and others who have made major contributions to the country music industry in Nova Scotia. We are committed to the preservation, promotion and development of country music in Nova Scotia, and the continuing recognition of deserving performers and others who have made an impact on the country music industry. We are so glad you are here to experience our new browsing experience, and to help support us!
*** Next show Sunday November 22nd, 2026***
NSCMHF Induction Ceremony 2026
On Saturday September 12th, the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame (NSCMHF) hosted their annual Induction Ceremony, recognizing and celebrating this year’s new members to Nova Scotia’s Country Music Hall of Fame. While it was indeed a gala event, complete with singing of the Canadian anthem and well-wishing politicians, it felt more like a big old country family reunion.
The event was held at the Best Western Plus in Bridgewater where they did a stellar job hosting us. The meal and service were excellent with many participants raving about the delicious turkey dinner and apple crisp desert. The room was set up as a gala event with large tables of 8-10.
Roger was in his element, greeting country music friends and guests, showing guests to their seats, chatting with everyone and generally being host extraordinaire. He shared the MC duties with Vina and the two seemed more like a well-polished comedy duo, than simply president and vice-president of the Hall of Fame.
Once the guests sat down at their table, past Inductees and special guests were paraded into the dining room wearing their Hall of fame medallion and sporting formal yellow-rose corsages. A nice presentation was given acknowledging all the past Inductees, all the way back to our first two members, Hank Snow and Wilf Carter.
Following the banquet dinner, we held the formal component of our event. Greetings and welcomes were given to us by Councillor Braden Newell of the Town of Bridgewater, and the Honorable Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management for Nova Scotia and MLA for Queens County. Then the 2026 Inductees were announced, with biographies and presentations given and photos were taken. Our 2026 Inductees were:
- Robert (Bob) Murphy, Vocalist (Deceased)
- John Reginald (Reg) Gerrior, Instrumentalist (Deceased)
- Neil Brown, Back-up Instrumentalist, Prospect, N.S.
- Bobby Gerard, Back-up Instrumentalist, Lower Sackville, N.S.
- Jeff Tooker, Back-up Instrumentalist, Granville Centre, N.S.
Following this formal aspect of the evening, the instruments came out and the party really started. Building on our NSCMHF mandate to help promote country music and give opportunities to younger musicians, we were treated to a couple songs by the Jovial Joes, a gifted Nova Scotia sister duo made up of Joanna and Sylvanna Feniyanos.
It was either a twist of fate or a gift from above to have our three living Inductees being life-long friends and band mates. The band for the night included Neil Brown on bass, Bobby Gerard on the keyboards, Jeff Tooker on lead guitar, Cameron Palmer on drums and Bob MacDonald on the steel guitar. The band first honored our deceased Inductees by performing some of their songs, and then each inductee was highlighted, performing several songs each. And this was a rocking country performance with toes tapping and guests clapping and singing along, a worthy country music concert of its own right. Many thanks to George Wolf for volunteering for our sound, which was flawless.
Following the musical portion of the night, the Inductees received their Hall of Fame plaques and medallions, and the winners were drawn for our various raffles. The winners of these were:
- David Hatt, “Grand in the Hand” winner
- Karen Murphy, Acoustic Guitar
- Sue Verge, Guitar Crib Board
- Sue Verge 50/50
These events don’t just happen by themselves. Funding for this event was raised throughout the year by concerts, fund-raising, 50-50s, and other raffle ticket sales. Roger was acknowledged for his leadership of the Hall of Fame and in his closing remarks, he thanked and acknowledged each of our Board members: Vina Moses, Bruce Innes, Paul Aalders, Tammy Gallant, Nicole MacKenzie-Wolf, Carol Penney and Stephen Locke.
As our guests filed out of the event, handshakes and hugs were aplenty, promises to see you next year were made, and the family gathering closed for another year. But not for everyone as apparently, for the young at heart, the guitar jam continued late into the wee morning hours.
Special thank you to the Festival and Community Development program for the additional funds that made this event even better!!
