February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Earle Hitchner, the Irish Echo’s traditional music writer since 1991, has been selected for the fifth time as an adjudicator in the Celtic/British Isles awards category of the Association For Independent Music. His previous appointments came in 1993, 1996, 1998, and 2000.
One of the most respected and influential authorities on Irish music today, Hitchner has also written for The Wall Street Journal, MTV’s Sonicnet, Billboard, Details, Reader’s Digest, New Choices, the Oxford American, Rhythm Music, and Dublin’s Irish Music. Among the 41 recordings for which he’s provided liner notes is the Boston Pops Orchestra’s "The Celtic Album," nominated for a Grammy award as best classical crossover release of 1998.
Founded in 1972 and based in Kentucky, AFIM is one of the leading organizations representing independent record companies. Its annual indie awards ceremony began in 1978 and will be held this year from May 2-6 in Los Angeles.