Sunday was a big night for country music in Alberta, The Country Music Alberta (CMAB) Awards were held and one local artist came out on top.

Drew Gregory took home the top prize for Male Horizon Artist of the Year and had the chance to take the stage to perform for the packed house.

“The energy in there is always so good, for the last 10 years that I've gone, it's always such an incredible weekend with everybody," he said.

It is not lost on Gregory that he gets to live his dream every day and being recognized by those in your own industry has very special meaning.

Gregory continued by saying that there are too many people to say thank you to as he follows his dream, and that he appreciates nights like this so he can recognize the people in his life who have always been there.

"I told my manager it feels a little bit like a friendship vote," he chuckled saying, "You show up to these things and make such good friends with so many people and everybody else in that category is just absolutely amazing to have things like this recognized." 

With an incredibly supportive family and the musicians and management teams that have supported him over the years when he is recognized with an award like this truly in his eyes belongs to everyone. 

It is a kick-off to a big weekend for Gregory who has also made it to the top three of the Project Wild – Country Artist Development contest with the possibility of winning and being able to put the prize money towards living his dream.

Growing up in Standard where he still farms when he is not on stage and raising his family in Strathmore, it is in Drew’s genes to give back and this past year he has done that. Putting on shows and hosting a fundraising for the Wheatland and Area Hospice Society (WAHS) helping to raise over $65,000.

Gregory will be back at it on April 8th with what seems to be becoming a yearly event in Standard hosting a singer-songwriter session. When he thinks about why he keeps coming back to these singer-songwriter acoustic sessions it is simple in his eyes.

“As artists, I think we love doing them. That we get to sing the songs that mean a little bit more to us.  The crowds are just amazing for them and you get so many of those moments where you can hear a pin drop and the artists we have coming up for this one are unbelievable." 

“Nashville Night” in Standard will also include fellow artists Blake Reid, Michela Sheedy and Kyle McKearney with all proceeds going to the Standard Community Hall.

This event has been a sellout in the past and Gregory is hoping to see a full community hall this time around, visit Eventbrite to pick up your ticket for this years' fundraising supper and show.