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The honourary wall in celebration of Lethbridge music promoter Ron Sakamoto is unveiled at the ENMAX Centre, November 7, 2022. (Image: City of Lethbridge)

Honourary wall for Ron Sakamoto unveiled at ENMAX Centre

Nov 8, 2022 | 10:12 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A famed music promoter from Lethbridge has been recognized by the ENMAX Centre.

An honourary wall has been installed at the arena in commemoration of the contributions Ron Sakamoto has made to the entertainment industry.

“Sak’s Honourary Wall” features his name in gold letters, photos of some of the artists he has worked with, and several of the special milestones in his career.

It is located in the west lower end of the ENMAX Centre. The honourary wall was installed there based on a recommendation by Sakamoto’s family, who says he is always working behind the scenes to make things happen.

Speaking at an unveiling ceremony on Monday, November 7, 2022, Sakamoto described wanting to stay in Southern Alberta despite working in an industry that is primarily based elsewhere.

“I had a dream.” says Sakamoto when describing the growth of his company, Gold & Gold Productions. “People said I could never do it from Lethbridge. But then I said, why? Why not? I don’t have to live anywhere else but Lethbridge because the people here are the best. I’m a Southern Albertan from day I was born until the day I die.”

Mayor Blaine Hyggen was among the attendees at the ceremony. He says Sakamoto deserves it.

“I want to offer a huge congratulation to Ron for his countless accomplishments which have benefited so many people in our community in many different ways,” says Hyggen. “He is a true champion of our community and this is a well-deserved recognition to bestow upon him.”

ENMAX Centre General Manager Kim Gallucci says Sakamoto has brought more than 100 shows to the arena.

“Ron’s imprint and contributions to live music, tourism and quality of life in Lethbridge, as well as the success of so many world-class headliners who have performed at this venue, are immeasurable,” says Gallucci.

Some of the musical acts Sakamoto has worked with include The Beach Boys, the Doobie Brothers, Gordon Lightfoot, KISS, Keith Urban, Johnny Reid, and Shania Twain.

As detailed in a media release from the City of Lethbridge, his long list of accomplishments include:

  • 1964 – Opens first nightclub, Honeycomb A Go Go in Lethbridge for teens
  • 1968 – Launches Gold & Gold Productions Ltd.
  • 1975 – First event at Lethbridge Sportsplex, a Doobie Brothers concert
  • 1993 – Wins first Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Promoter of the Year. After receiving this honour for the next 17 years, the award is re-named to “Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year” in 2010
  • 1996 – Receives Award of Exceptional Citizenship from Lethbridge Mayor David Carpenter
  • 2001 – University of Lethbridge creates Ron Sakamoto Scholarship
  • 2001 – Wins Country Music Association (CMA) International/Talent Buyer of the Year Award
  • 2003 – Receives Honourary Doctorate of Law degree from the University of Lethbridge
  • 2006 – Wins second CMA International/Talent Buyer of the Year Award
  • 2007 – Awarded CCMA Hank Smith Award of Excellence
  • 2008 – Presented Key to the City by Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck
  • 2010 – Establishes Digital Audio Arts Scholarship with wife Joyce, for the Digital Arts and Music Program at the University of Lethbridge
  • 2012 – Awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
  • 2012 – Becomes owner of Paradise Canyon Golf Resort
  • 2013 – Donates 28 guitars to Galbraith Elementary School to start their music program
  • 2013 – Launches Sakamoto Agency
  • 2013 – Wins International Entertainment Buyer’s Association (IEBA) International Buyer of the Year Award
  • 2014 – Inducted into Canadian Country Music Association Hall of Fame
  • 2015 – Presented the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Business Legacy Award
  • 2017 – Honoured with Blackfoot Name Komahniisihnskii (Owns Many Songs)
  • 2017 – Substantial donation to Angel Tree Program enabling Lethbridge Family Services to fulfil every child’s dream of a Christmas gift
  • 2019 – Sponsors One District One Book with 13,000 books distributed to Lethbridge School District No.51
  • 2019 – Awarded the Music Managers Forum (MMF) Canada Brian Chater Pioneer Award for instrumental contributions to artist management in Canada (for immeasurable contributions to Music Management Canada)
  • 2019 – Becomes a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence

READ MORE: Lethbridge’s Ron Sakamoto inducted into Order of Alberta Excellence

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