One local band has just strummed their way to a national stage. 

Moose Jaw's West of Mabou has been nominated for an award at the upcoming 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards. 

A very humble Scott Benson, who is apart of the 5-member band and plays the fiddle, said they're elated to have been nominated as this is their first time being recognized in a national music competition. 

"It's really exciting for us, but there's always work to be done. I think at the end of the day the awards open some new doors for us and turns into some new shows and some new opportunities for us so that's great."

A quick glance at the group's website proves the local band has been able to play for many people on many different stages in a short period of time.

"It's taken off a lot quicker and a lot faster than all of us expected which is great. We're playing Celtic music in the prairies, Saskatchewan is where we started out, but we've been lucky to travel quite a bit, we've toured Canada Western Canada, we've been playing down in the Eastern States." 

Benson noted that part of the positive feelings is seeing their name side by side with the other groups and instrumentalists in the 'Instrumental Group of the Year' category. 

"I mean it's just a bit of a reaffirmation that we're on the right track and I think it's really exciting and really a huge honour to be mentioned alongside those top bands and musicians in the country. It's a national award so being up against people across the country, it's really exciting for us."

West of Mabou's second album "The Bridge" which they scored the nomination for is competing against four others in the category. 

The 14th annual Canadian Folk Music Awards take place in Calgary, Albert on November 30th and October 1st.