East Coast song of the year

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Dave Gunning performs his ECMA award-winning song, These Hands, at the East Coast Music Awards in Halifax on Sunday, March 10, 2013. Gunning won the song-of-the-year honours. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Dave Gunning has captured song of the year at the 2013 East Coast Music Awards.

Gunning took home the award for his song "These Hands" moments before performing it for a packed house at the Cunard Centre in Halifax on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, Nova Scotia country singer George Canyon received a nod from his followers for "Saddle Up," winning the fans' choice for video of the year.

The annual awards show, which is in its 25th year, also paid tribute to Canadian music legend Stompin' Tom Connors with a video montage that led to a standing ovation.

The gala caps off a week-long event that attracted musicians from across the region and industry officials from around the globe.

The East Coast Music Awards formed 25 years ago in a basement bar in Halifax by a small group of people hoping to draw attention to the region's musical talent.