Brandon to Host 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards

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The Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA) are coming back to Manitoba in 2009. The Western Canadian Music Alliance, which produces the annual event, has named the City of Brandon as its 2009 host. The seventh annual WCMAs will take place next fall. Manitoba played host to the WCMAs last in 2006 in Winnipeg.

“We’re thrilled by the announcement that Brandon will host the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards,” says Manitoba Music’s Interim Executive Director, Sara Stasiuk, who also sits on the WCMA board of directors. “Brandon is home to a vibrant music community and has produced world-class talent in all facets of the industry, from award-winning artists to internationally-respected industry professionals. We would like to congratulate Brandon First, the Brandon host committee, and all those who worked hard to bring the WCMAs back to Manitoba. It’s a fantastic choice.”

"Beyond having all the necessary physical resources to host the WCMAs, Brandon First and the Brandon host committee have brought to the table incredible enthusiasm and attention to detail,” says WCMA Executive Director Rick Fenton in a media release. “We look forward to working with the City of Brandon to bring some of western Canada's top musicians to the city for three days of amazing music!”

The sixth annual Western Canadian Music Week will be held October 16 to 19, 2008 in Edmonton. The event features a music industry conference, a three-day music festival including over 100 showcasing acts, and two awards shows. Manitoba artists and industry received 28 nominations for this year’s WCMAs, which will be handed out at the industry brunch on October 18 and at the awards gala on October 19.

This year’s WCMA attendees will get a taste of what next year’s host city has to offer when Brandon First and the City of Brandon host a kick-off reception in Edmonton following the WCMA gala on October 19.

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