Vancouver punk pioneers headline BreakOut West’s 2026 specialty awards at annual festival and music conference

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Vancouver punk band D.O.A. will be inducted into the Western Canadian Music Awards Hall of Fame when BreakOut West brings its annual conference, festival and awards celebration to Victoria from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.

Alongside DOA, Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival founder and artistic director Dane Roberts will receive the Heritage Award, and Vancouver’s 604 Records general manager Kesi Smyth will receive the Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award.

“This year’s Specialty Award recipients reflect the vibrant and diverse musical genres that the West Coast of Canada has created, cultivated and propelled onto the world stage,” BreakOut West executive director Michael Dawson said in a statement.
D.O.A. frontman Joey Keithley will receive the honour on Oct. 3. Roberts and Smyth will be recognized that afternoon during the Industry Awards.

Formed in 1978, D.O.A. brought Vancouver punk to an international audience, playing 4,500 shows across five continents. Notable albums include Disco Sucks EP, Hardcore ’81, War on 45 and Bloodied but Unbowed.

Hosted by the Western Canadian Music Alliance BreakOut West focuses on developing and celebrating artists and music-industry professionals from Western Canada. The annual event includes an immersive, music development conference, music festival and awards.

Tickets and information about BreakOut West are available HERE.