Music and Community Shine at 2025 Windsor/Essex County Recognition Awards

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

The 2025 Windsor/Essex County Music Recognition Awards returned this September with two packed evenings of celebration, honouring local musicians and community contributors while raising funds for Crime Stoppers Windsor & Essex County. The revived event, held on September 14 and 21 at the Windsor Moose Lodge, drew enthusiastic crowds from across the region—and beyond.

Among the 12 recipients recognized on September 14 was Tilbury Times editor Matt Weingarden, celebrated for his ongoing support of community causes through music and media. The second round of awards, presented on September 21, honoured 21 more individuals whose musical talents have helped make Windsor and Essex County a better place.

The awards were the brainchild of Ken Koekstat, a retired Windsor Police Officer and lifelong musician. Koekstat served with Crime Stoppers for 17 years and has performed in charity events since 1965. In 2009, he formed a committee to recognize those who use music to uplift others. Between 2009 and 2019, 114 people were honoured, raising over $20,000 for Crime Stoppers and other causes.

After a pandemic pause, Koekstat and a dedicated team—including Dianne Bussey-Bako, Robert Demarais, Steve Laforet, and Karen Tinsley—brought the awards back in 2025. “It’s not a Hall of Fame,” Koekstat emphasized, “but a heartfelt thank you to those who’ve used their gifts to support their communities.”

Crime Stoppers, the beneficiary of the event, is a nonprofit program that allows citizens to anonymously report crimes. Tips can lead to cash rewards of up to $2,000, and the program operates with support from media, law enforcement, and community volunteers. The Windsor-Essex office is currently located at LaSalle Police Headquarters.

The success of the September 14 event set the tone for the second evening, which was a near sell-out. With strong community support and renewed momentum, the Music Recognition Awards once again proved that when music meets purpose, the results are powerful.

As Koekstat put it: “Making our community a safer place starts with recognizing those who give back—and music is one of the most beautiful ways to do that.”