Today marks an important day in history, the phasing out of the long-standing Canadian penny. Effective today, February 4^th, 2013  the Royal Canadian Mint will no longer distribute Canada’s one-cent coin to banks and retailers. So spread the word – No More Pennies.

In other news, Dave and his latest release ‘No More Pennies’, recently picked up 3 East Coast Music Award nominations for Folk Recording of the Year, Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year for “These Hands”, co-written with good friend, George Canyon.

Vote for Dave Gunning for the ECMA Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year. You can cast you vote at this link www.thechronicleherald.ca/ecma before Thursday, February 28th. We are calling on all Dave fans for support. The winner will be announced at the East Coast Music Awards Gala in Halifax on Sunday, March 10.

A personal note from Dave:

“Hello folks,

What started out as a scary situation with the Royal Canadian Mint, has ended well.  Thanks to all who donated their pennies and more at my shows to support some great organizations in need.  Thanks also to the many who wrote letters of support for my struggle with the Mint.  Many of these letters were addressed directly to the Mint and I’m sure helped sway their decision.  The letters as a whole were both informative and entertaining and I have saved them along with the many published articles about the story.  What a crazy one, but a happy ending, so thanks again.

It’s been a great start to the year in general with a trip to Australia and many more travels ahead in the near future. It feels really good to be out playing shows and singing these new songs from ‘No More Pennies’ and I’m very happy that the recording has been so well received.

The best,

Dave”

Final pennies for thoughtfulness ……….

The penny drive for the IWK Foundation was very successful.  Fans and supporters brought pennies to Dave’s shows.  The Westside Scotia Bank in New Glasgow rolled them and matched the donation with a cheque for $6,287.66 going to the IWK Children’s Hospital.  People have continued to bring pennies to the shows and they’re starting to build up again in Dave’s van.  These coins will be rolled by the Royal Bank in Pictou and the donation will go to Feed Nova Scotia.  The Royal Bank is also going to donate $1000 to a local food bank in Pictou County.  Feed Nova Scotia helps feed the hungry by collecting and distributing food to more than 150 member agency food banks and meal programs including local food banks. www.feednovascotia.ca. There is some goodwill in every little penny.

Don’t forget to vote for Dave www.thechronicleherald.ca/ecma

For a list of Dave’s tour dates ‘click here’

Dave Gunning fans, you can now show your support by voting for him for ECMA Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year. This award is one of two East Coast Music Awards voted on by the public, and fans have until Thursday, February 28 at midnight (AST) to cast their vote online at: http://thechronicleherald.ca/ecma.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, March 10 at The Chronicle Herald East Coast Music Awards Gala, presented by Eastlink, at Halifax’s Cunard Centre. Tickets for the Awards Gala are $55 inclusive of all taxes and fees, and can be purchased in person at any Ticket Atlantic box office or at participating Atlantic Superstores, by phone at (902) 451-1221 or toll-free (877) 451-1221, and online.

“I’m back. Thought I was immune to jet lag but after returning home from Australia I awoke in the night not knowing where I was or how to get out of my own bed. It sure was an amazing trip. I love Australia and look forward to returning again within the next few months. Australians and Canadians love one another. It’s the perfect combination of exotic and familiar. Over the next month or so I’ll be playing shows around Atlantic Canada, Western Canada and the Yukon. The Folk Alliance Conference is coming up in Toronto next month as well and I’ll be playing a couple of showcases there. But tonight I will sleep.
Good night,
Dave”

Congratulations to Dave and record producer Jamie Robinson as the new cd, “No More Pennies” received 3 ECMA Award Nominations for Folk Recording of the Year, Fans Choice of the Year and Song of the Year for his song “These Hands, co-written by George Canyon. Congratulations to all award nominees, looking forward to seeing everyone in Halifax from March 6-10.