Fred Penner To Host 2015 Polaris Gala

Fred Penner, 2015 Polaris Gala host. Photo by Dustin Rabin

Singer/songwriter Fred Penner will host the 2015 Polaris Gala taking place September 21 at The Carlu in Toronto.

Penner, 68, was revealed as the Gala MC earlier today at The Carlu where it was announced which 10 albums made the Short List for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize. Penner also hosted the Short List unveiling.

A member of the Order of Manitoba and Order of Canada, Penner is best probably best known as the children’s entertainer behind the classic CBC program Fred Penner’s Place. That, and songs about sandwiches and wayward cats.

Penner said he appreciates the many types of music Polaris celebrates.

“I am honoured to be the host for this year’s prize.  I have been part of the Canadian music scene for over four decades. As I perform at festivals from coast to coast I am continually impressed with the incredible range of talent we have in this country. I particularly love that Polaris celebrates this musical diversity. The level of prestige involved with this organization is admirable and I am delighted to be associated with it,” said Penner.

A supporter of organizations such as UNESCO, World Vision, UNICEF and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, in 2005 Penner journeyed to Zambia, Africa with World Vision to host a program for Child Sponsorship in the Western World.

The 2015 Polaris Gala will be broadcast live on September 21 via AUX TV.