concerts at the Arts and Culture

Year as well as chosen for a

Centre in addition to her numerous

Bluegrass Stage Performance by

appearances at nightclubs, private

the East Coast Music Association. Her

parties and benefit concerts.

November 2004 release that is a

A bass guitar, rhythm guitar and

compilation of heart-warming gospel

mandolin player, Catherine has been

songs also received a 2006 ECMA

a studio musician throughout her

nomination for Bluegrass Recording

ECMA nominated (2003, 2006, 2007, &

career. As a session bass player

2010) Catherine Lawrence is no stranger

alone, she has 14 recordings to her

to the music industry, especially

credit under the Audit Records label

STORIES FROM MY HEART, released

throughout Atlantic Canada. The release

including the original recording for the

Dec. 2006 is a compilation of story

of Close the Door Lightly solidifies her

multiple award winning artist, the late

telling songs. As Catherine says in her

commitment to sharing Bluegrass music

Minnie White.

liner notes, 'It is my hope that, as you

with an ever-growing audience while

listen to the lyrics with their twists

showcasing Catherine’s strong vocals. A

A member of the Country Ducats

and turns, you too will be drawn in by

compilation of some of the finest

when they opened for Juno award

these great stories.' This project

Atlantic Canadian musicians complement

winner Murray MacLauchlan,

again earned an ECMA nomination

her interpretation of a range of

Catherine had also played back-up for

(2007) for Bluegrass Recording of

Bluegrass songs, including many beloved

such renown artists as Dallas Arms,

the Year.

standards, to make for a truly memorable

Orval Prophet, and Gary Buck. During

listening experience.

the 2007 ECMA’s, the Ducats were

honoured with The Stompin’ Tom

(Nov. 2008) reflects Catherine's

A native of Newfoundland and Labrador,

Award for long-term contribution to

belief that the true gift of a song is

Catherine’s roots are in Country music

the East Coast Music industry.

the way its lyrics can instantly

where she sang lead vocals and played

transport you back to a special place

electric bass for the popular Country

Since moving to Nova Scotia in 1994,

and moment in time and conjure up a

Ducats. For four years she vocalized

she has devoted her energies and

full range of memories. This project

with band member and Juno award

musical talents to Bluegrass. She

again earned an ECMA nomination

winner Eddie Eastman during which time

performs throughout Atlantic Canada.

the band was named Favorite

Catherine and her band Gator Creek

Newfoundland Act as well as Country Act

whose members consists of Fred

of the Year. The Newfoundland Herald

Lawrence, Ron Jenkins and Rich

Marilyn Simpson wrote in the February

said of the group, “Perhaps one of the

Stenburn, perform their music around

6th, 2008 issue of THE LAKER “When

finest country groups in Canada is the

the Zephyrhills area in Florida.

Country Ducats.”

Catherine produced and co-

Over the years Catherine has built a

engineered Close the Door Lightly, I

reputation as a serious musician and a

See God Everywhere and Stories

distinctive vocalist. “She is a beautiful

From My Heart with her husband,

addition to your top notch act,” said

dobro and steel guitar player, Fred.

John Murphy of the Colonial Broadcasting

Together they own Magnum-Opus

System Limited. Catherine has appeared

Recording.

on a number of CBC television specials

and variety shows including one hosted

Catherine has performed her brand of

by the Country Ducats during which her

Bluegrass at various benefits,

vocal talents were highlighted. Having

concerts, and coffee houses since

guested on CBC radio programs,

1994. In 2003, she was excited to be

Catherine has also performed in several

nominated for Bluegrass Artist of the