Doc Walker Appointed as Honourary Chairs of Country Music Week 2008

The Canadian Country Music Association is thrilled to announce the appointment of acclaimed country trio Doc Walker as Honourary Chairs for Country Music Week 2008, taking place in Winnipeg from September 5-8, 2008.

During today’s announcement, Doc Walker, the popular Manitoba group who were the recipient of the Album of the Year at the 2007 Canadian Country Music Awards made their home town proud with a stellar performance in anticipation of this year’s Country Music Week.

The Honourable Andrew Swan, Minister responsible for Manitoba Lotteries, was also on hand at today’s announcement to present Carmen Celestini, Executive Director of the Canadian Country Music Association and Kevin Walters, Co-Chair of the Winnipeg Host Committee with a cheque in support of the 2008 Country Music Week.

Manitoba Lotteries Corporation and the Casinos of Winnipeg have come on board as a major partner of Country Music Week 2008. The Casinos of Winnipeg have been a great venue for touring Canadian country musicians over the years and will continue to support the industry for years to come.

“Manitoba Lotteries and the Casinos of Winnipeg are extremely excited to participate as the Presenting Sponsor of one of the largest music events in Canada,” said Honourable Andrew Swan, Minister responsible for Manitoba Lotteries. “Supporting this years’ Canadian Country Music Week is one more way we can assist with the development and promotion of country artists in our province and in our country.”

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation and the Casinos of Winnipeg for coming on board as Presenting Sponsors,” said Heather Ostertag, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Country Music Association. “We welcome their support and are delighted to be returning to Winnipeg for the 2008 Country Music Week.”

“Winnipeg is proud to support and play host to Canadian Country Music Week,” said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. “Our city has a vibrant reputation for being a hotbed of musical talent, and once again Winnipeg will be in the spotlight as our country’s established and emerging talent come together to celebrate and network in our city of opportunity.”

For over 30 years the Canadian Country Music Association has marked each September with Country Music Week, a four day conference and celebration culminating in the broadcast of the CCMA Awards (established 1983). Country Music Week is one of the largest music events in Canada with a combination of activities for both community and industry including showcase opportunities for newcomers, educational seminars and an all day FanFest that delivers Canada’s stars to the community.

For full details on Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Awards visit http://www.ccma.org