Each year, the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF) honours the work of an individual or group that has made significant contributions to Ontario’s folk music community. The award is named after Estelle Klein, a long-time advocate of Canadian folk music and one of the early founders of the folk festival scene in this country.

Grit Laskin, one of the world's most renowned and sought-after instrument makers, is the recipient of the 2010 Estelle Klein Award.

“If there were a modern-day example of the Renaissance man, Grit Laskin would most certainly be it,” said Paul Mills, president of the OCFF and a longtime friend and partner of Laskin.

Since William “Grit” Laskin became an apprentice to Canadian luthier Jean Larivée, he's followed the passion of making guitars that are pieces of sonic and visual art. Working on his own and building 10 or so instruments each year, he was the first maker of musical instruments to receive Canada's most prestigious craft award, the Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence (in 1997).

Laskin came to early fame for having made guitars for iconic folk singer Stan Rogers. Rogers's son Nathan still plays Laskin 6- and 12-string guitars. His instruments are played by dozens of the world's greatest musicians in many genres.

Renowned flamenco guitarist Paco Pena has called his Laskin guitar “the finest instrument I have played in all my travels.” Other players and admirers include Rik Emmett, Ottmar Liebert, Beppe Gambetta, and James Keelaghan. Laskin instruments are also known for their intricate and breathtaking inlay work on headstocks and fretboards, and for his innovation in making guitars more comfortable to play with beveled armrests and ribrests. 

But while Laskin's talents as a luthier may be his claim to fame, he's been an inspiration and a leader in many fields. He has spent decades writing and performing on his own and with others including The Friends of Fiddler's Green. His songs have been recorded by artists such as the Tannahill Weavers and Pete Seeger. Next year  the folk music world will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Borealis Records. A thriving small label with more than 100 releases, Borealis was founded in part by Laskin, who continues to play an integral role in its success. He was a founder of the Canadian Folk Music Awards and the Association of String Instrument Artisans. And on top of all that, he's written books, lobbied governments, and coordinates Canada's oldest adult folk music camp.

“Grit's unstoppable energy and dedication to his beloved folk music sets him apart, and that's why he is an ideal recipient of the Estelle Klein Award,” said Mills.

The award will be presented during the Gala Dinner at the 24th Annual OCFF Conference, being held October 14-17, 2010 in Ottawa, ON.