Manitoba Music

MEMPHIS-BOUND MANITOBANS

February 20, 2008

Four Manitoba acts are escaping the frigid February temperatures this week. They're headed to balmy Memphis, Tennessee -- where it's current 11C -- this week to showcase for the folk and roots music industry at the North American Folk Alliance Conference (NAFA). The annual event, now in its 20th year, is the premier professional development conference focused on folk, roots, multicultural and world music in North America and runs February 20 through 24, 2008.

Showcasing acts include some of Manitoba’s best up-and-coming as well as established artists, including roots duo Twilight Hotel, eclectic act the Dust Poets, fiddler Sierra Noble, and singer/songwriter Cara Luft.

Each artist has a series of showcases at this year’s conference offering them the chance to perform for audiences that include folk festival buyers, agents, record labels, management, media, and more. Every year, MARIA provides the framework for these artists to gain further exposure to the movers and shakers in the folk and roots community through networking opportunities at the Manitoba booth in the massive tradeshow hall.

In addition to the conference, the third annual Folk Alliance Awards will take place on February 21, including a performance by Twilight Hotel, who is nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year.

Manitoba artists were able to access financial support for their showcasing at NAFA through the Market Access Program, a program jointly funded by MARIA and Manitoba Film & Sound.

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